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FIRST ON FOX: A new bipartisan effort is underway in the Senate as Democrat Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy team up to propose a significant measure aimed at improving law enforcement’s capacity to combat human and drug trafficking at the border. This initiative seeks to leverage advanced technologies for more effective border security.
Senators Cortez Masto of Nevada and Cassidy of Louisiana are collaborating to introduce the ‘Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act.’ This proposed legislation aims to make innovation teams at U.S. Customs and Border Protection a permanent fixture. These teams were initially established in 2018 and have been instrumental in researching and implementing necessary technological advancements.
The core of the bill empowers the Customs and Border Protection commissioner to maintain multiple innovation teams. These teams are tasked with researching and adapting commercial technologies to improve border security operations and address urgent mission needs. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the Department of Homeland Security submit a comprehensive plan to Congress. This plan will assess the performance metrics and security implications of potential new technologies, as well as outline the appropriate deactivation processes for outdated Customs and Border Protection technologies.
During an interview with Fox News Digital, Senator Cortez Masto emphasized the importance of technological advancements in enhancing border security. She stated, ‘Technology continues to improve our everyday lives, and it’s just common sense that we look for ways innovative technologies can help keep our border communities secure. I am committed to helping CBP continue developing the tools they need to improve border security operations.’
Senator Cassidy echoed her sentiments, asserting, ‘President Trump secured the southern border in his first 30 days. Let’s secure the border forever by using new technology. Let’s stop fentanyl from flowing into our country.’
The two senators highlighted that investments in border security technology are crucial for strengthening Customs and Border Protection’s ability to detect and respond to trafficking and illicit border crossings, especially in remote regions.
This legislation aims to establish a more permanent and sustainable approach to innovation within Customs and Border Protection’s operations. Aiding Senator Cortez Masto’s initiatives, a staff member pointed out her previous efforts to combat cross-border crime, dating back to her tenure as Nevada’s attorney general. She worked collaboratively with state Republicans and Mexican officials to address methamphetamine manufacturing and cross-border drug trafficking effectively.
In her Senate career, Cortez Masto has introduced important legislation targeting online drug trafficking, which has passed into law, and has spearheaded efforts to dismantle illegal fentanyl supply chains. She has also proposed legislation to tackle the crisis of the dangerous fentanyl additive known as xylazine.
In parallel, a similar version of the ‘Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act’ is now being considered in the House of Representatives, introduced by Representatives Lou Correa from California and Morgan Luttrell from Texas. Their efforts aim to bolster border security in conjunction with the Senate measure.
New data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates a dramatic decrease in apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border, dropping by a staggering 93% during the Trump administration. In April alone, the agency recorded an average of 279 apprehensions per day, compared to 4,297 apprehensions noted in April 2024. Overall, the total apprehensions for April were reported at 8,383, significantly lower than the 129,000 apprehensions recorded during the same month in 2024.
Furthermore, Customs and Border Protection officials revealed that only five illegal aliens were temporarily released into the U.S. throughout April, in sharp contrast to the 68,000 released during the same timeframe in 2024.
With bipartisan support and a focus on leveraging technology, this legislative venture could represent a pivotal moment in addressing border security challenges. By committing to innovative solutions, lawmakers aim to strengthen the tools available to law enforcement agencies in their ongoing fight against trafficking and border-related crimes.
This collaborative effort reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive and forward-thinking strategies to secure the borders and protect communities across the nation. As the legislation progresses, it remains to be seen how these proposed measures will reshape the landscape of border security in the United States.
Fox News’ Anders Hagstrom and Bill Melugin contributed to this report.
