Issue Position: Border Security

Issue Position

Due to the crisis on the Texas/Mexico border, the Legislature passed House Bill 11 an $840 million border security package. House Bill 11 authorizes the hiring of 250 new DPS troopers, increases surveillance technology and establishes a transnational intelligence center to analyze crime data. The center will serve as a real-time intelligence hub for state and local law enforcement agencies. House Bill 11 also creates a new offense for human trafficking if a person knowingly transports or harbors someone illegally for profit.

The Legislature also passed House Bill12 establishing a Border Prosecution Unit. This agency will facilitate cooperation among prosecutors, provide investigative assistance, and develop best practices for the investigation of border crimes.

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