NM Senator supports bill targeting fentanyl and gun trafficking
Democratic Senators Introduce Bill to Combat Fentanyl and Illegal Firearms at the Border
Nine Democratic U.S. Senators, including Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, have unveiled a new legislation aimed at tackling the flow of fentanyl across the southern border. The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act not only seeks to reduce the amount of this deadly drug entering the country but also aims to increase inspections of goods leaving the United States for Mexico to prevent the illegal export of firearms.
Targeting Fentanyl and Enhancing Border Security
The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act focuses on bolstering the “staffing capacity and technology to detect illicit drugs and other contraband being smuggled through ports of entry along the border,” as stated in a press release from Luján’s office. The primary objective is to intercept fentanyl that enters the country through legal ports of entry. Luján, who has been a vocal advocate for border screening, emphasized the urgent need for increased staffing and advanced technology to combat the devastating impact of fentanyl on families and communities in New Mexico.
“This legislation is one more tool to stop the flow of illicit drugs from entering through the Southwest border. Congress must take action to invest in border security, hold criminals accountable, and put an end to the fentanyl crisis,” Luján asserted.
U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, another representative of a border state, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the strain on Border Patrol and Port Officers who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the nation.
“This bill would give federal law enforcement the additional personnel and technology needed to keep our ports of entry fully staffed, stem the flow of illegal drugs, and secure the border,” Kelly stated.
Stopping Fentanyl Smuggling and Firearms Trafficking
The proposed bill allocates additional funding to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, enabling the hiring of more Officers and Border Patrol Agents to combat fentanyl smuggling. It also provides resources to acquire Non-Intrusive Inspection systems, which can scan vehicles and cargo at the border, offering detailed interior images to aid in the detection of fentanyl and other drugs.
Furthermore, the legislation establishes an inspection program specifically designed to increase the seizure of firearms. Mexican cartels often purchase firearms in the United States and smuggle them into Mexico to support their fentanyl production and other criminal activities.
Investing in Border Security
The bill includes a total of $5.3 billion in funding for border security. Of this amount, $2.05 billion is designated for hiring new personnel, with $1.75 billion specifically allocated to Customs and Border Protection along the southern border. Additionally, the bill sets aside $285 million for outbound inspections of contraband leaving the country, including firearms, fentanyl, large amounts of cash, and more.
It is important to note that the text of the bill has not yet been made public.
What measures does the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act propose to address the issue of illegal firearms being smuggled from the United States into Mexico?
Step in our efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and protect our communities,” Luján said. “By increasing resources and focusing on technology and staffing at the border, we can intercept more of this deadly drug before it reaches our streets.”
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can be up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Due to its potency, even small amounts can be lethal. It has become a major contributor to the opioid epidemic in the United States, causing thousands of overdose deaths each year. Many of these deaths result from counterfeit prescription pills that are laced with fentanyl, often unknowingly consumed by individuals seeking pain relief.
In addition to targeting fentanyl, the bill also aims to address the issue of illegal firearms being smuggled from the United States into Mexico. The legislation seeks to increase inspections of goods leaving the United States, ensuring that firearms do not end up in the hands of criminal organizations south of the border. The goal is to prevent the illegal export of firearms, which can contribute to violence and crime in Mexico.
The bill proposes an investment of $300 million over five years to strengthen border security infrastructure, enhance technology, and provide additional resources for law enforcement agencies. It also calls for increased collaboration and information-sharing between federal, state, and local agencies involved in border security operations.
The introduction of this bill by Democratic senators reflects their commitment to addressing the ongoing challenges at the southern border. While border security has been a contentious issue in American politics, the focus of this legislation on combating fentanyl and preventing the illegal export of firearms underscores the importance of bipartisan efforts to address pressing public health and safety concerns.
The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act has garnered support from various advocacy groups and law enforcement organizations. The National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Border Patrol Council are among the groups that have expressed their support for the bill, recognizing the need for increased resources and collaboration to tackle the flow of fentanyl and illegal firearms at the border.
As the legislation moves through the legislative process, it is expected to face scrutiny and potential amendments. However, the introduction of this bill is a significant step towards addressing the fentanyl crisis and enhancing border security. By focusing on intercepting fentanyl and preventing the illegal export of firearms, the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act aims to protect communities and save lives on both sides of the border.
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