Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) introduced the Border Security for America Act. The bill includes a provision by Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) preventing federal agencies from impeding U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) activities pertaining to illegal border crossings on federal lands. Chairman Rob Bishop, an original co-sponsor of the bill, issued the following statement:

“For too long federal land management agencies and regulatory policies have left us vulnerable. The status quo gives drug and human traffickers the upper hand as our federal border lands, including ecologically sensitive areas, remain exposed to illegal crossings and environmental degradation,” Chairman Bishop said. “We’ve been working on this initiative for a long time and with the Trump Administration’s commitment to border security, it’s time to move the ball forward. I thank Chairman McCaul for his work on this important package and look forward to working with him to move it through the House.”

Background:

Since 2010, Chairman Bishop has led oversight and legislative efforts to enhance border security and improve the CBP’s access to federal lands.  

Section 112 of the Border Security for America Act prohibits the Departments of the Interior or Agriculture from impeding, prohibiting, or restricting CBP activities on federal land located within 100 miles of the Southern Border to execute search and rescue operations, and to prevent all unlawful entries into the United States.

Under current policies, federal border lands have become an unpatrolled highway that is open to criminals, drug smugglers, human traffickers and terrorists who endanger American lives and cause severe environmental damage.  The bill would free CBP from bureaucratic interferences that currently impact their ability to effectively secure these areas. 

For additional information on the Border Security for America Act click here.