Advanced scanning technology at the US-Mexico border aims to curb the fentanyl crisis, as bipartisan efforts intensify to combat drug trafficking and enhance border security.
At a Glance
- New legislation proposed to strengthen outbound inspections at the US-Mexico border
- Operation Lone Star has led to over 518,300 illegal immigrant apprehensions and seizure of 521 million lethal doses of fentanyl
- Fentanyl trafficking primarily occurs through official ports of entry, with 60% seized in Southern California
- Mexican cartels identified as primary producers of fentanyl entering the US
- Texas implements measures including designating cartels as terrorist organizations to combat trafficking
Bipartisan Efforts to Enhance Border Security
U.S. Representatives Dan Crenshaw and Abigail Spanberger have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening inspections of outbound traffic from the U.S. to Mexico. The Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act seeks to bolster efforts against the smuggling of firearms, illegal money, and contraband by cartels.
“Southward bound guns and money fuel the cartel’s war in Mexico and the fentanyl crisis that is poisoning Americans. We have to stop the flow,” Crenshaw said.
The proposed legislation includes measures to increase Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staffing, expand Homeland Security Investigations personnel, and authorize advanced screening technology at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Operation Lone Star’s Impact on Border Security
In Texas, Operation Lone Star, led by Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas National Guard, has made significant strides in securing the Texas-Mexico border. The operation has resulted in over 518,300 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 46,000 criminal arrests.
“If there are [illegal immigrants] coming our way, we want them to know something, You’re not allowed to cross illegally in the state of Texas,” Abbott said. “Let’s assume Texas does succeed in reducing illegal immigration 100% into our state, which is our goal. Our goal is to increase our presence on the border, increase our tools, increase the barriers on the border until we reduce illegal crossings.”
Notably, Texas law enforcement has seized over 521 million lethal doses of fentanyl as part of Operation Lone Star, which has reportedly decreased illegal crossings into Texas by 85%.
Fentanyl Trafficking at Official Ports of Entry
Contrary to popular belief, fentanyl is primarily trafficked through official ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border. The San Ysidro Port of Entry between San Diego and Tijuana has emerged as a major point for fentanyl trafficking, with more than 65,000 vehicles crossing daily.
“People just don’t believe that others would be so brazen as to bring drugs through a legal crossing point where they know there’s a potential for them to be checked. They just think logically, it makes more sense to try to sneak [them] in,” explained David Bier, Associate Director of Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that Mexican cartels, particularly the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, are the primary producers of fentanyl entering the United States. American citizens are often recruited to smuggle the drug across the border.
Texas’ Multi-Faceted Approach to Combat Fentanyl Crisis
Texas has implemented a series of measures to combat fentanyl trafficking, including designating certain cartels as terrorist organizations and creating a Mexican Cartel Division. The state has also launched the One Pill Kills campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, which is often disguised as other prescription drugs.
Collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies remains crucial in intercepting fentanyl before it reaches distributors. Texas Anti-Gang Centers work to mitigate gang threats and disrupt cartel operations, while the Opioid Abatement Fund Council and opioid settlement agreements aim to address the broader crisis.