Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement Operations Expansion Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5518

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.

Last Updated

2026-05-16T08:07:08Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation, titled the Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement Operations Expansion Act, aims to enhance cooperation between U.S. and foreign law enforcement agencies, particularly by directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to negotiate or amend agreements with Canada. The focus is on enabling integrated cross-border operations in aerial, land, and maritime domains to improve border security and joint law enforcement efforts.

Key Provisions

• Sense of Congress (Section 2): Expresses congressional support for the Secretary of Homeland Security to use the bill's authorities to negotiate or update agreements with Canada for coordinated cross-border law enforcement activities, aligning with U.S. foreign policy goals.
• Amendments to the Tariff Act of 1930 (Section 3(a)):
• Adds language to Section 629(g) allowing the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to enter into treaties or agreements with foreign countries. This extends the same privileges and immunities (protections from legal liability similar to those of U.S. Customs officers) to designated foreign officers acting as U.S. Customs Service officers.
• Introduces a new Section 629A permitting the use of funds allocated to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to settle tort claims (civil lawsuits for damages, such as personal injury) arising from CBP operations in foreign countries, following procedures in federal law (28 U.S.C. § 2672).
• Amendment to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Section 3(b)):
• Adds a new Section 890E authorizing the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Attorney General, or both to station or deploy U.S. law enforcement officers and support personnel in foreign countries. It also allows acceptance of foreign law enforcement officials and personnel stationed in the U.S. for purposes like joint operations to boost border security and cooperation across land, air, and sea.
• Empowers the Secretary of State, in coordination with the above officials, to negotiate treaties or agreements granting necessary privileges and immunities to foreign personnel stationed in the U.S. to perform their duties.
• Clerical Amendment (Section 3(c)): Updates the table of contents in the Homeland Security Act to include the new Section 890E.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expands the Tariff Act by introducing mechanisms for foreign officers to receive U.S.-like protections and allowing CBP to handle foreign-based claims with its own funds, which was not previously authorized in this way.
• Modifies the Homeland Security Act by adding explicit authority for mutual stationing of law enforcement personnel across borders, including treaty-making powers for immunities. This builds on existing cooperation frameworks but formalizes and broadens them for joint operations.
• These changes shift from ad-hoc arrangements to structured, congressionally backed international agreements, particularly emphasizing Canada.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Strengthens operational capabilities for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), CBP, Department of Justice (via the Attorney General), and Department of State by enabling seamless cross-border deployments and reducing legal risks for personnel. This could streamline resource allocation and reduce administrative hurdles in international operations.
• Citizens: May improve public safety near U.S. borders through more effective joint policing of threats like smuggling or terrorism, potentially leading to faster responses. However, it could raise privacy or civil rights concerns if operations involve surveillance or pursuits across borders.
• International Relations: Primarily bolsters U.S.-Canada ties by facilitating reciprocal law enforcement presence, promoting trust and efficiency in shared border management. It sets a precedent for similar agreements with other nations, potentially influencing broader North American security partnerships.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government Entities: DHS (including CBP), Department of Justice, and Department of State, which gain new tools for international coordination.
• Foreign Governments and Personnel: Primarily Canada's government and its law enforcement agencies (e.g., Royal Canadian Mounted Police), who could station officers in the U.S. and receive legal protections.
• Law Enforcement Officers: U.S. and foreign personnel involved in border operations, benefiting from immunities and funding for claims but facing new deployment requirements.
• Border Communities: Residents and businesses along the U.S.-Canada border, who may experience increased joint patrols or operations affecting daily life or trade.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Introduces provisions for handling tort claims abroad using U.S. funds, which could expose agencies to more international litigation but provides a clear resolution process. The extension of privileges and immunities (legal shields for official actions) must comply with international law to avoid disputes over sovereignty.
• Constitutional: Relies on Congress's powers over foreign affairs and commerce (Article I) and the executive's treaty-making authority (Article II), potentially requiring Senate ratification for formal treaties. It balances federal authority with state interests in border regions.
• Political: Introduced with bipartisan support from multiple House members, signaling cross-party interest in border security. As an early-stage bill (introduced September 19, 2025, and referred to committees), it could influence future U.S. foreign policy debates on immigration and security without mandating specific outcomes beyond negotiations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]

Cosponsors (14)

Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Zinke, Ryan K. [R-MT-1], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
• 2025-09-19: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-09-19: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-09-19: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-09-19: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-09-19: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-19: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement Operations Expansion Act — issued 2025-09-19 — PDF (4 pages)