H.R. 5518: Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement Operations Expansion Act

The Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement Operations Expansion Act is a proposed bill that aims to enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill would do:

Objectives of the Bill

The main goal of this legislation is to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to negotiate agreements with the Canadian government for integrated law enforcement operations. These operations would cover aerial, maritime, and land areas to improve border security and overall law enforcement collaboration.

Key Provisions

• Enhanced Cooperation: The bill encourages the Secretary of Homeland Security to use the granted authorities to pursue treaties or amendments to existing agreements with Canada that focus on joint law enforcement operations.
• Customs Officers' Privileges: It amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection to grant foreign customs officers from Canada the same legal privileges and immunities as U.S. customs officers during their official duties.
• Operational Authority: The Secretary of Homeland Security would have authority to conduct operations and provide support in foreign countries. This includes the ability to pay tort claims arising from Customs and Border Protection operations in foreign nations.
• Stationing of Personnel: The bill allows for U.S. enforcement officers to be stationed in Canada, and for Canadian law enforcement officials to be stationed in the U.S. This would facilitate closer collaboration and joint operations.
• Legal Protections: Treaties or agreements could grant necessary legal protections to foreign law enforcement personnel stationed in the U.S. to ensure they can perform their duties effectively.

Implementation and Oversight

The proposed agreements would be subject to coordination and approval by relevant U.S. officials, including the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, to ensure they align with U.S. foreign policy and legal standards. This cooperation aims to enhance border security and combat cross-border crime effectively.

Relevant Companies

• CSCO - Cisco Systems, which provides networking hardware and telecommunications equipment that could be used by law enforcement agencies in both countries to support integrated operations.
• ACN - Accenture, which offers consulting services that may assist law enforcement agencies with technology integration and operational efficiencies related to joint operations.