Transnational Criminal Organizations continue to grow in both size and sophistication, creating illicit cross-border tunnels along the southwest border of the United States.
The tunnels represent a significant and growing threat to national security according to experts.
In response to the threat, on Monday, the House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Eli Crane, the Subterranean Border Defense Act, legislation that aims to strengthen the layered defense system at the U.S. border by requiring annual reports to Congress on counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations.
Crane says the Subterranean Border Defense Act would help Congress address the growing threat of illicit cross-border tunnels by requiring the submission of annual reports on counter tunneling operations, fortifying our security system at the border.
Crane believes the legislation would help ensure that Congress has the necessary data to forge another much-needed layer of defense.
“Passage of this bill is a massive win for our security. The Biden-Harris Administration has eagerly dismantled our border, leaving Americans inexcusably vulnerable. This legislation would help counter that by making sure Congress has the info we need to address the deadly threat of cross-border tunnels,” said Crane. “I’m grateful to Chairman Green for his support of my bill and for his distinguished leadership of the Homeland Security Committee.”
Since 1990, officials have discovered more than 140 tunnels that have breached the U.S. border, with an 80% increase in tunnel activity occurring since 2008.
Over the years, CBP has worked to combat these tunnels as part of their overall strategy, conducting research, development, and test activities with Israel–who must contend with a vast network of Hamas tunnels originating in the Gaza Strip.
Crane claims that this partnership helps the U.S detect and destroy tunnels in the respective countries.
The FY23 National Defense Authorization Act mandated that CBP submit a one-time report to Congress on a strategic plan for counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. This singular report has since led Congress to conduct critical oversight and has enabled CBP to formalize many of the processes, technologies, and resources needed to counteract illegal tunnels under the U.S.-Mexico border.