Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act

# Summary of the Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act **What the bill would do:** This bill would create new federal crimes related to border security activities. It would make it illegal to share information about law enforcement operations or border control activities if someone does so knowingly to help commit crimes involving immigration, drug smuggling, or customs violations—punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The bill also makes it illegal to damage or destroy border control devices (like surveillance equipment or sensors at ports of entry), also punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Additionally, it increases penalties for using firearms while committing certain immigration crimes, such as helping someone with a felony conviction illegally enter the United States. **Who it affects:** This bill would primarily affect people involved in human smuggling, drug trafficking, or other border-related crimes.

It could also apply to anyone who shares law enforcement information with the intent to aid such crimes. Border patrol agents, customs officials, and others enforcing border security would be the beneficiaries of these new protections. **Current status:** As of now, the bill is in committee (S 50, 119th Congress), meaning it hasn't been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).