Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani from Arizona has reintroduced a legislative proposal aimed at increasing penalties for individuals aiding cartel operations along the southern border. Known as "spotters," these individuals provide cartels with information about law enforcement positions, facilitating their evasion.

The proposed legislation, titled the Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act (H.R. 263), seeks to impose harsher penalties on spotters. The bill proposes increased fines and a maximum prison sentence of 10 years for those found guilty of assisting cartel activities near the border. It specifically targets actions such as transmitting law enforcement locations, tampering with electronic devices used by authorities, and carrying firearms during human smuggling crimes.

Congressman Ciscomani is supported in this effort by fellow House Representatives Mike Lawler from New York, Jen Kiggans from Virginia, and Mariannette Miller-Meeks from Iowa. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa is spearheading a companion bill in the Senate.

Ciscomani highlighted the issue by stating, “Drug cartels and other bad actors have developed increasingly sophisticated efforts to evade Customs and Border Protection agents and local law enforcement officers at the southern border." He emphasized the importance of targeting "spotters" who assist transnational criminal organizations in avoiding capture.

Senator Ernst echoed this sentiment: “I’m putting cartels on notice – the era of open borders is over,” adding that Republicans are committed to restoring law and order while securing national borders.

This marks Congressman Ciscomani's second border-related bill introduced during the 119th Congress. Previously, he brought forward the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (H.R. 35). He also co-sponsored and voted for the Laken Riley Act (H.R. 29).

Ciscomani represents Arizona’s sixth congressional district, which includes part of the U.S.-Mexico border within the Tucson Sector of U.S. Border Patrol operations. This area has historically seen significant numbers of "get aways," often facilitated by spotters.