WASHINGTON, D.C.–Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) introduced his first bill of the 119th Congress, the Security First Act. The Security First Act goes after the root causes of the border crisis. Congressman Gonzales’ legislation would require the federal government to consider designating Mexican drug cartels and Tren de Aragua as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). Additionally, the Security First Act allocates more grant funding for state and local law enforcement agencies in border regions to enhance border security operations.
“It’s plain and simple: bad policies embolden cartels, fuel humanitarian crises, and put innocent Americans in harm’s way. No one wins when lucrative practices are playing out time and time again at our borders, and the Biden administration’s failed national security agenda over the past four years, unfortunately, put the South and West Texans I serve in Congress in the thick of it. We rely on a secure border as a part of our way of life, cross-border trade, commerce, and tourism are the lifeblood of our communities,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “The criminals who exploited our open borders are not going to go quietly into the night; we have to get ahead of them and strike while the iron is hot. The Security First Act moves the ball forward on designating Mexican drug cartels and lethal gangs like Tren de Aragua as foreign terrorist organizations and gives our law enforcement agencies more tools to combat illicit activity at our borders. This legislation is a step in the right direction toward our shared goals of implementing tangible border security solutions—I look forward to working on getting the Security First Act across the finish line.”
An FTO designation would make affiliated criminal members inadmissible to the United States, enhance the ability to cut off the cartels’ financial resources, and enable law enforcement to combat their operations on a more targeted basis. Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Attorney General, indicated during her Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday that she is supportive of designating the Mexican cartels as FTOs.
The Security First Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Young Kim (CA-40), David Valadao (CA-22), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Maria Salazar (FL-27), James Moylan (GU-AL), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and Randy Weber (TX-14). The Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition (TBSC) and the Southwest Border Sheriff’s Coalition (SWBSC) endorsed the Security First Act.
“The Security First Act will be a tremendous tool in bolstering the functionality and effectiveness of Operation Stonegarden, as well as designating cartels as terrorist organizations and using new and updated technology to police and patrol areas of our southern border that are difficult to reach in a vehicle. We are in support of this bill,” said Clint McDonald Sheriff Ret., Executive Director TBSC/SWBSC.
The Security First Act:
- Requires the Secretary of State to consider designating the Mexican drug cartels and Tren de Aragua as “foreign terrorist organizations”
- An FTO designation makes affiliated members inadmissible to the United States and enhances the United States’ ability to cut off their financial resources,
and enables law enforcement to combat their operations on a more targeted basis.
- Enhancing Operation Stonegarden
- Increases FEMA’s “Operation Stonegarden” grant from $90 million to $110 million for each of FY25-28, in line with H.R. 2 levels.
- Operation Stonegarden is a federal grant that provides resources to state and local law enforcement agencies involved in border security operations.
- Operation Stonegarden funds can be used to purchase field equipment to enhance operational efficiencies and provide overtime pay. Under the Security First Act, up to one-third of these funds can be used to procure new technology and equipment like sensors, communications equipment, and drone technology to augment border security operations.
- Deposits funds from seized illicit currency at the southern border into the Operation Stonegarden account.
- Highlights Technology Improvement and Remote Area Augmentation
- Requires a report on technology needs at the southern border to better prevent terrorists from entering the U.S. and reduce drug smuggling.
- Addresses CBP Hiring
- Requires a report on CBP hiring practices to improve recruitment and retention of Border Patrol Agents and Customs Officers.
To read Fox News’ piece on the Security First Act, click here.
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