U.S. Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ) recently introduced a bill that would enhance penalties for “spotters” who convey information related to the position and surveillance efforts of Border Patrol agents in order to disrupt their duties.
The bill, titled the Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act, seeks to increase penalties for those that relay information about the position of border agents by imposing a maximum prison time of 10 years. The penalty also applies to those who destroy active border controls, such as barriers, fences, sensor cameras, or other physical electronic devices.
U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
“Spotters are fundamental to the operation of drug cartels, but there is currently no law that specifically prohibits or penalizes them for assisting drug cartels along the border,” McSally said. “During multiple trips to the border, I’ve seen firsthand where these scouts operate and heard frustrations from ranchers and Border Patrol about the lack of consequences they face.”
Cochise County, Arizona Sheriff Mark Dannels welcomed the bill’s introduction and said law enforcement would be more equipped to stile drug cartel operations and improve security along the southern U.S. border.
“By implementing penalties, this bill will prevent experienced spotters who are caught from quickly returning to action and deter many others from joining a criminal cartel operation,” McSally said.
Both bills await votes in their respective chambers.