Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani, representing Arizona's 6th district, has introduced a bill aimed at addressing the use of social media by drug cartels for recruitment purposes. Alongside Rep. Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania, the legislation targets transnational criminal organizations that leverage online platforms to recruit teenagers for drug trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border.

The proposed Combating Cartels on Social Media Act (H.R. 488) seeks to curb these activities by mandating the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to formulate a national strategy against such recruitment tactics. It also aims to establish a mechanism for social media companies to report recruitment posts, aiding law enforcement in tracking and disrupting these efforts.

"As Representative of a border district, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects drug cartels have on our communities," stated Congressman Ciscomani. He highlighted fentanyl overdoses as a leading cause of death among teenagers in Pima County and expressed concern over cartels using social media for recruitment. "This must stop," he added.

Congresswoman Houlahan emphasized the evolving tactics of cartels and their use of digital platforms during her visits to the southern border and discussions with national security leaders. She stressed the need for laws that address this digital threat and expressed pride in collaborating with bipartisan leaders on this initiative.

In parallel, Senators Mark Kelly from Arizona and James Lankford from Oklahoma are spearheading a companion bill in the Senate. Senator Kelly underscored the threat posed by drug cartels to Arizona communities through social media exploitation, while Senator Lankford criticized social media companies for inconsistent enforcement of illegal activity policies.

The legislation has garnered support from several law enforcement associations including Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels, who noted its potential impact on community safety amid cartel promises made via platforms like Facebook or TikTok.

Arizona Sheriffs’ Association President David Rhodes echoed similar sentiments about strengthening law enforcement efforts statewide. Western States Sheriffs’ Association President Gary Bettencourt pointed out social media's role in facilitating transcontinental criminal activities and supported legislative measures against it.

National Sheriffs’ Association President Kieran Donahue commended the bill's approach involving multiple stakeholders to tackle threats posed by technology-savvy criminal organizations exploiting vulnerable individuals.

The full text of the bill is available for review.