House Approves Ciscomani Bill Targeting Drivers Behind High-Speed Border Chases

A proposed bill aiming to impose life sentences on smugglers who lead high-speed chases near U.S. borders has gained traction in the U.S. House of Representatives. Sponsored by U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, a Republican from Southern Arizona, the legislation passed with bipartisan support, tallying 264 votes in favor and 155 against.

This bill is not a first for Ciscomani; it echoes a similar initiative from last year that, while approved by the House, did not reach a Senate vote. Among Arizona’s congressional representatives, only Rep. Yassamin Ansari, a Democrat, opposed the bill. Notably, it garnered support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, demonstrating a rare unity. Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva did not participate in the voting process.

Ciscomani emphasized the critical need for this legislation, citing a rising trend of dangerous high-speed pursuits in Cochise County involving cartel members and human smugglers. He stated, “For far too long, these individuals have not faced federal consequences for their actions that often end in tragedy,” pointing to the 2022 death of Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez as a stark example.

Ciscomani’s district spans Northeast Tucson to the Arizona-New Mexico border, encompassing much of Cochise County—a region heavily impacted by smuggling operations. He expressed gratitude to House leadership for the timely push of the bill and urged swift Senate consideration to bring it closer to law enforcement enactment.

Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels praised Ciscomani’s efforts, mentioning that local authorities often feel the burden of federal inaction. He said, “Our local governments should not be responsible for federal inaction,” underscoring the need for stronger federal support.

Support for the bill extends beyond Republican leaders. Mayor Clea McCaa of Sierra Vista, a Democrat, highlighted the community’s growing fears due to escalating high-speed chases. Saying, “I am proud to support Rep. Ciscomani’s bill to make this a federal offense,” she affirmed the shared responsibility for community safety.

Recent data reflects an alarming increase in high-speed pursuits related to human smuggling in Cochise County, with local officials reporting at least 13 fatalities during the past few years. Dannels stated that the urgency of the situation has reached a “breaking point” and implemented “Operation Safe Streets II” to enhance patrols in the area.

In conjunction with this bill, Ciscomani also introduced the Combating Cartels on Social Media Act, targeting how smuggling organizations recruit individuals through social media platforms. This legislative effort aims to create a national strategy for combating illicit recruitment and enhance law enforcement’s ability to track these activities.

Ciscomani expressed his commitment to the issue by naming the bill after Agent Gonzales, who lost his life in a 2022 pursuit. This tragedy illustrates the risks faced daily by Border Patrol agents. The bill is endorsed by various law enforcement bodies, including the National Border Patrol Council and several local sheriff’s offices.

As these legislative measures progress, the debate over the safety and accountability of high-speed pursuits continues among law enforcement and community leaders, reflecting pressing concerns along the U.S.-Mexico border.