New Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Enhance Port Security and Combat Fentanyl Smuggling

As drug smuggling attempts continue at ports of entry along the southern border, bipartisan legislators in the House of Representatives have introduced a significant bill aimed at bolstering U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents’ capacity. This legislation is designed to tackle the pressing issue of fentanyl trafficking while improving efficiency at entry points.

The Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade Facilitation Act, known as H.R. 1924, proposes the hiring of image technicians and supervisors at ports to conduct more thorough examinations of cargo scans. This initiative is expected to reduce wait times and enhance the likelihood of intercepting dangerous substances, such as fentanyl, from entering the United States.

Targeting Fentanyl Smuggling through Technology

Rep. Juan Ciscomani, a Republican from Arizona and the author of H.R. 1924, emphasized the need for specialized roles in the scanning process. He stated, “The majority of the fentanyl that is intercepted is at the ports of entry because of the technology that we have. Also, because of the way fentanyl looks and the manner in which it is transported—small pills that can fit almost anywhere.”

Ciscomani noted the challenges of fentanyl smuggling, including the lengths to which traffickers go to conceal their products. “Cars are taken apart and rebuilt around the fentanyl there. So when you’ve got these kinds of training positions, that enhances security at the port of entry,” he explained. The proposed legislation stems from insights shared by on-ground authorities who manage day-to-day operations at the ports.

The Role of Ports in Drug Trafficking

In recent years, a substantial portion of known drug trafficking has occurred through ports. Notably, the U.S. Sentencing Commission has reported that many convictions for fentanyl smuggling involve American citizens. This underscores the complexity of the issue and the urgent need for effective measures to combat drug trafficking.

Ciscomani highlighted how the proposed scanning process could benefit both security and trade. “Through this kind of scanning process where goods flow back and forth, we can prevent the crossing of illegal drugs while also expediting the importation of legal goods,” he said. The aim is to make certain ports efficient hubs for trade while significantly minimizing wait times that can extend for hours.

Current Strain on Port Resources

The influx of migrants during the Biden administration has placed tremendous pressure on port resources. This situation has resulted in longer wait times as authorities also grapple with managing the surge of individuals seeking illegal entry into the country. Despite these challenges, Customs and Border Protection agents seized over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl and more than 158,000 pounds of methamphetamine along the southern border in fiscal year 2024, according to official data.

Rep. Don Davis, a Democrat from North Carolina and a co-sponsor of the bill, expressed his concern regarding the fentanyl crisis impacting families in his district. He stated, “When I think about Eastern North Carolina and so many families being devastated by the fentanyl crisis, we have to take urgent steps. We must put aside partisan politics because this issue is affecting us all directly.” Davis emphasized that increased inspections enabled by this legislation would be a pathway to saving lives.

Legislative Progress and Challenges

H.R. 1924 has been referred to the House Homeland Security Committee at a time when the Biden administration is addressing the border crisis through various measures. This has elicited both support and opposition from different political factions. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently reported the lowest number of individuals attempting illegal crossings, recording only 200 encounters in one day—the lowest in 15 years.

Amid ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations across the nation, there has been significant dialogue in Washington about border security. Tensions reached a high point when Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Democrat, criticized another bill proposed by Ciscomani, which aims to increase penalties for those