Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Catherine Cortez Masto have reintroduced the Advanced Border Coordination Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at bolstering law enforcement communication and coordination at the U.S. southern border. Representatives David Joyce and Susie Lee have introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives.

"U.S. Border Patrol agents have been completely overwhelmed by the unprecedented number of illegal aliens arriving at our border, and we need to strengthen border security by improving communication and coordination on the ground," stated Senator Blackburn. The act proposes establishing joint operation centers along the southern border to enhance field operations, targeting transnational gangs and disrupting drug and human trafficking.

Senator Cortez Masto emphasized that "border security shouldn’t be a controversial or partisan issue." She noted that establishing these centers would aid in combating transnational crime, contributing to community safety.

Congressman Joyce, who has experience as Chairman of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, expressed support for the bill: "This bill is a step towards restoring the rule of law and securing our borders by establishing critical joint operations centers to detect drug and human trafficking and disrupt criminal networks."

Congresswoman Lee highlighted her ongoing efforts to secure resources for immigration system reforms, stating that "Joint Operation Centers are a proven way" to support Border Patrol officers.

The Department of Homeland Security has previously set up joint operations hubs for interagency cooperation against transnational crime. This new bill aims to expand this model with at least two additional hubs along the southern border, facilitating cooperation among federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies. It also mandates an annual report to Congress on these centers' activities.