Senators Cortez Masto and Cassidy introduce bipartisan bill to expand CBP innovation teams fighting trafficking at the border.

Bipartisan Push to Strengthen Border Security Technology

Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana have joined forces to introduce the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at reinforcing U.S. border security through advanced technological solutions. The legislation, shared first with Fox News Digital, seeks to make U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) innovation teams a permanent fixture within the agency.

The CBP’s innovation teams were initially formed in 2018 to explore commercial technologies and adapt them for urgent border security needs. Under the proposed bill, the CBP commissioner would be granted authority to establish and maintain one or more of these teams on an ongoing basis. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to deliver a comprehensive plan to Congress evaluating current and emerging technologies and the performance impact of decommissioned systems.

“Technology continues to improve our everyday lives, and it’s just common sense that we look for ways innovative technologies can help keep our border communities secure,” said Cortez Masto. “I am committed to helping CBP continue developing the tools they need to improve border security operations.”

Cassidy emphasized the need for long-term security, stating, “President Trump secured the southern border in his first 30 days. Let’s secure the border forever by using new technology. Let’s stop fentanyl from flowing into our country.”

Focus on Human and Drug Trafficking

The senators highlighted that the legislation would improve CBP’s response time and detection capability, particularly in remote areas where human and drug trafficking are most difficult to combat. Aides to Cortez Masto underscored her longstanding commitment to cross-border crime prevention, dating back to her tenure as Nevada's attorney general. Her previous bipartisan work with Mexican officials focused on tackling methamphetamine production and distribution.

In Congress, Cortez Masto has championed bills targeting online drug trafficking and has pushed legislation to eliminate illegal fentanyl supply chains. Her recent efforts also include a proposal to ban the potent and deadly veterinary sedative xylazine when used as a fentanyl additive.

A House version of the legislation was also introduced by Representatives Lou Correa (D-Calif.) and Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), signaling broader bipartisan interest in the measure.

Meanwhile, data released by CBP shows that border apprehensions have dropped significantly under President Donald Trump’s administration. The agency reported an average of 279 apprehensions per day in April—down from 4,297 per day in April 2024—amounting to a 93% decline. Total apprehensions for the month fell to 8,383 compared to 129,000 a year earlier.

Additionally, the number of illegal immigrants temporarily released into the United States has drastically fallen. Only five individuals were released in April 2025, compared to 68,000 during the same month the previous year, according to CBP officials.

As the Senate begins reviewing the bill, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are expected to weigh the implications for long-term border security policy. If passed, the measure could significantly reshape how technology is leveraged in America’s ongoing fight against cross-border trafficking and illegal immigration.