July 20, 2023

RANKING MEMBER CORREA INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE TRAINING FOR BORDER SECURITY OFFICERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member Lou Correa (CA-46), the top Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement, introduced legislation aimed at improving the training offered to individuals joining the law enforcement ranks of the Department of Homeland Security.

“The job of keeping our homeland safe continues to evolve,” Ranking Member Correa said. “Whether it be being trained to address ever-changing humanitarian situations, serving as the first-line of protection for refugees and unaccompanied minors, or being the front-line of defense against narcotics and human trafficking at our border, our officers who take the oath to serve deserve the best training possible.”

The DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2023 would instruct the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize the quality of the training it offers to new employees, ensuring that these basic training courses reach an accredited status. Unfortunately, several DHS law enforcement basic training programs are not accredited; the most notable being the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, Customs and Border Protection’s Field Operations Academy Officer Basic Training Program, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Officer Basic Training Program. Focusing on accreditation for these courses will ensure the highest caliber training is offered to the Department’s new law enforcement officers.

“Homeland Security officers, whether with Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or the Transportation Security Agency, are all part of our nation’s front lines—and they deserve the highest-quality training,” Correa continued. “This legislation will use accreditation to add rigor to the training process, and, in turn, better prepare our officers to handle the many challenges they will face.” 

Specifically, the DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2023 would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress on the accreditation status of its training programs until all programs achieve accreditation. For programs that are not accredited, the Department must give the reasons for not having obtained accreditation, as well as the timeline and action plan for accreditation. This bill will also direct the Department to research how to provide State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement officers access to additional training opportunities.

“The individuals joining the ranks of DHS’s frontline components should receive the highest caliber training before they begin their careers as border security and enforcement officers,” Correa concluded. “Maintaining accredited programs is essential to ensuring that such training is provided to them, and that our border remains safe, secure, and humane.”

You can read the full text of the bill HERE.

###