Bill looks to bolster southern border law enforcement efforts

A group of lawmakers have introduced a measure they said seeks to bolster southern border law enforcement operations.

Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Mayra Flores (R-TX), Susie Lee (D-NV) and Chris Pappas (D-NH) recently introduced the Advanced Border Coordination Act. The bill would establish Joint Operation Centers along the southern border, serving as centralized operating hubs coordinating border operations, information sharing and workforce training.

“I’ve visited the southern border and seen the crisis unfolding there firsthand,” Joyce said. “For the safety of our communities and those wishing to come here for a better life, we have to restore the rule of law and secure our borders. This bipartisan bill will help us do just that. As a former prosecutor, I know how successful joint operations centers can be, especially when it comes to detecting drug and human trafficking and have no doubt they will help us address the national security and humanitarian crisis that has exploded at our southern border.”

Flores said a more secure border means safer and more prosperous communities.

“It is evident, from what we are witnessing at our southern border, that the only group benefiting from this self-inflicted chaos are criminals, drug and human traffickers and the cartels,” she said. “Our bill will put an end to this by bettering our law enforcement coordination and their ability to counter these dangerous groups. I thank my colleagues for joining me in this bipartisan and bicameral effort.”

The legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to issue an annual report to Congress regarding the centers’ operational activities and recommendations for southern border coordinated federal actions.