HR 5518119th CongressIn Committee

Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement Operations Expansion Act

Introduced: Sep 19, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23] (R-New York)

Defense & National Security

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill, the Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement Operations Expansion Act, would push the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to negotiate with Canada to create and expand integrated cross-border enforcement operations that cover aerial, land, and maritime activities. It also makes several structural changes to enhance cooperation with foreign law enforcement authorities. Specifically, it would: authorize treaties or agreements that extend certain privileges and immunities to foreign officers designated by the U.S. Customs Service; authorize the use of DHS/Customs and Border Protection (CBP) funds to pay tort claims arising from foreign operations; and authorize the stationing of foreign law enforcement personnel in the United States (and U.S. personnel abroad) to support joint border security and enforcement efforts. The bill would amend the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Homeland Security Act to formalize these authorities and add a new section on foreign personnel stationing. It emphasizes alignment with U.S. foreign policy and seeks to facilitate closer Canada-U.S. cross-border operations.

Key Points

1Directs DHS to negotiate with the Government of Canada for integrated cross-border enforcement operations across air, land, and sea, with a focus on collaboration and joint operations.
2Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 (Section 629(g)) to allow the Secretary of State, coordinated with DHS, to grant foreign officers designated as Customs Service officers the same privileges and immunities as U.S. Customs officers for duties performed.
3Creates new authority (Section 629A) to pay tort claims arising abroad in connection with CBP operations using funds available to CBP, following the general framework for U.S. government tort claims.
4Amends the Homeland Security Act to add a new Section 890E, authorizing the stationing or deployment of U.S. law enforcement officers abroad and the acceptance of foreign law enforcement personnel in the United States for border security and joint operations, with a framework for privileges and immunities through treaties or agreements coordinated by the State Department.
5Adds a clerical amendment to insert the new stationing section into the Homeland Security Act’s table of sections.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- U.S. Customs and Border Protection, DHS, and related law enforcement agencies engaged in cross-border operations, along with the Government of Canada and cross-border jurisdictions (e.g., border communities and travelers).Secondary group/area affected- Foreign law enforcement personnel designated to work with U.S. agencies, and U.S. personnel deployed abroad for joint operations; the U.S. government (fiscal liability for tort claims) and foreign partners under new immunities and privileges arrangements.Additional impacts- Legal/sovereignty and accountability considerations, including the expansion of immunities and privileges for foreign officers, potential liability shifts to the U.S. government for abroad actions, and the need for international treaties or agreements.- Administrative and diplomatic implications, requiring coordinated negotiations among DHS, the State Department, and other relevant committees, and potential impacts on civil liberties and oversight of cross-border enforcement activities.

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