As bipartisan support for border security grows, Arizona Congressman Juan Ciscomani has reintroduced legislation to increase punishment for individuals who aid and abet cartel operations along the southern border. Commonly known as “scouts,” and “spotters,” these criminals monitor parts of the southern border and report the positions of law enforcement personnel to help cartels evade capture.
“Drug cartels and other bad actors have developed increasingly sophisticated efforts to evade Customs and Border Protection agents and local law enforcement officers at the southern border,” said Ciscomani. “One aspect I hear often from frontline agents in Arizona is the urgent need to go after “spotters” who help Transnational Criminal Organizations avoid law enforcement by surveilling portions of the border and communicating their positions. This bill, which I am proud to lead again in the House, would increase punishments on spotters and sends a powerful message to anyone who is aiding or abetting cartel operations that they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Ciscomani’s bill, the Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act (H.R. 263), would increase penalties on spotters by increasing fines and imposing a maximum prison time of 10 years on those convicted of aiding and abetting cartel activity along the border. Specifically, the bill prohibits:
● Transmitting the location, movement or activities of law enforcement personnel.
● Destroying, altering, or hiding electronic devices used by law enforcement personnel.
● Carrying or using a firearm during a human smuggling crime.
Ciscomani is joined by House colleagues Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01). Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) is leading a companion bill in the Senate.
“I’m putting cartels on notice – the era of open borders is over,” said Ernst. “Republicans are restoring law and order and securing the homeland by giving Border Patrol the tools they need to do their job and creating real consequences for criminals. We are going to protect Americans.”