U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) introduced legislation to address the threat of organized criminal activity in border communities.
The No Mor Narcos Act and the Stop COYOTES Act targets drug cartels and human traffickers to prevent them from exploiting vulnerable populations including children and strengthens law enforcement’s ability to respond through enhanced coordination and accountability.
“Representing 180 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from law enforcement, educators, and families about the very real challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations in border towns,” Vasquez said. “My bipartisan bills strengthen our ability to disrupt cartel activity, protect our kids from exploitation, and equip local law enforcement with the tools and coordination they need to keep communities safe.”
The No More Narcos Act would create an education campaign from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Education and other federal state and tribal agencies. The campaign will be aimed at warning middle and high school students within 100 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border about cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations. U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) co-sponsored the legislation, and it is supported by the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico.
The Stop COYOTES Act would impose harsher penalties against human smugglers and fentanyl traffickers while improving information sharing and reporting between law enforcement agencies and DHS. The bill would require DHS to report on trafficking trends, smuggling routes and cartel activity. The legislation was co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and is supported by the Sunland Park Police Department and Las Cruces Police Department.
“For too long, dangerous criminals have exploited our border crisis to traffic innocent children and smuggle deadly narcotics into our nation,” McCaul said. “It’s time we finally put a stop to these predators and ensure law enforcement agencies have the information-sharing infrastructure to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. I am proud to co-lead this bill alongside Rep. Vasquez to protect innocent children across Texas and support our local law enforcement officers as they work to counter cartel-sponsored crime.”