Yavapai News

Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) and Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) have jointly introduced the Subterranean Border Defense Act, which aims to address the threat posed by illicit cross-border tunnels along the southwest border of the United States. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations, with the objective of enhancing deterrence measures against Transnational Criminal Organizations.

In a statement, Rep. Crane emphasized the importance of staying ahead of evolving security threats, stating, “As terrorists, cartels, and smugglers develop new ways to infiltrate our country, the U.S. must stay on the cutting edge of security technology to protect our citizens and our infrastructure.” He further highlighted the bill as a crucial deterrent in safeguarding the safety of Arizonans.

Rep. Correa echoed the urgency of adapting to defend against sophisticated methods employed by human traffickers and illegal drug smugglers, stating, “It’s clear that human traffickers and illegal drug smugglers have developed dynamic ways to evade capture—making it urgent and necessary that we adapt to defend against their attempts to breach our border.” He expressed his honor in leading the bipartisan effort alongside Rep. Crane to enhance counter tunnel efforts and protect lives on both sides of the border.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 previously mandated a strategic plan for counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations, leading to critical oversight by Congress and enabling the formalization of necessary resources by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Rep. Crane’s legislation seeks to further strengthen oversight by requiring annual reports to Congress, ensuring sufficient knowledge and vigilance in addressing the persistent threat of illegal underground tunnels. The bill has garnered support from original cosponsors, including Reps. Biggs (R-AZ), Duncan (R-SC), Gosar (R-AZ), Guest (R-TX), Higgins (R-LA), Luttrell (R-TX), McCaul (R-TX), and Ogles (R-TN).

The introduction of the Subterranean Border Defense Act reflects bipartisan efforts to enhance border security measures and combat the increasing threat posed by illicit cross-border tunnels, ultimately aiming to protect national security and the well-being of communities along the U.S.-Mexico border.