In Senate Committee·Last action 160 days ago

CBP can now run joint operations abroad to stop drugs and smuggling at the source

Officially: Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025

CBP officers can work with foreign governments on drug trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism threats under official agreements. The bill also lets Homeland Security pay damage claims from CBP operations overseas for five years.

Where it stands

Sitting in Foreign Relations

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

Lets certain CBP employees with Air and Marine Operations authority support foreign governments, including through joint operations in that country, when there's a formal agreement between the U.S. and that foreign government.
Allows CBP to help monitor, find, track, and stop illegal drugs, smuggling of people and goods, terrorist threats, and other threats to U.S. security or the economy.
Explicitly lets CBP assist with emergency humanitarian missions and train foreign law enforcement in partner countries.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Strengthens International Partnerships: Supporters believe that working with foreign governments can effectively disrupt drug and smuggling networks before they reach the U.S.
Prevents Drugs and Human Smuggling at the Source: By tackling these issues in their origin countries, the bill could be more cost-effective and efficient than dealing with them at the U.S. border.
Enhances U.S. Security: The bill broadens the scope of homeland security efforts to include terrorist threats and other risks.

✕Arguments against

Potential Overreach of U.S. Law Enforcement: Critics worry that expanding CBP's authority abroad could lead to diplomatic tensions or violate other countries' sovereignty.
Risk of Mission Creep: The bill's broad language might lead CBP to engage in activities beyond its core mission.
Accountability and Oversight Concerns: U.S. operations abroad are harder to monitor, increasing the risk of misconduct or unintended harm.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in House

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House Committee

Under House committee consideration

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House Floor Vote

Voted on by House

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Passed House

Approved by House

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Senate Review

Sent to Senate for consideration

Latest: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (11/20/2025)

NOV 20

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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CBP can now run joint operations abroad to stop drugs and smuggling at the source

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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