Security First Act: $110M Boost for Border Tech and Potential Terrorist Label for Cartels

The Security First Act aims to beef up border security, mainly by throwing a lot more money and tech at the problem, and by potentially labeling Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations. Here’s the breakdown:

Cash and Gear for the Border

The bill authorizes $110 million annually from 2025 through 2028 for Operation Stonegarden, a grant program that helps state and local law enforcement agencies coordinate with federal border operations. A big chunk of that—at least $36.7 million each year—is earmarked for new tech and equipment. Think communication gear, sensors, and even drones (SEC. 3). The money will come from a newly-established "Operation Stonegarden Trust Fund," funded by assets seized at the border. Specifically, this includes unreported "monetary instruments" like cash, traveler's checks, and some securities that Border Patrol grabs along the U.S.-Mexico border (SEC. 3). Note: personal checks or money orders made out to someone specific are not included.

Real-World Impact: Imagine a local sheriff's department near the border. They could get funding to upgrade their radios to communicate directly with Border Patrol, or buy sensors to detect movement in remote areas. This could mean faster response times to illegal crossings or drug smuggling attempts. However, it also means more surveillance tech, which might raise privacy concerns for people living in those border communities.

Cartels as Terrorists?

Within 60 days of this bill becoming law, the Secretary of State has to report to Congress on whether several Mexican drug cartels (including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Sinaloa Cartel, and others) and the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua should be officially designated as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) (SEC. 4). This is a big deal. Being labeled an FTO brings serious legal and diplomatic consequences. It’s not just a name change; it triggers a whole set of restrictions and powers under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Real-World Impact: If these cartels are designated as FTOs, it could significantly change how the U.S. deals with them. It could open the door for more aggressive actions against cartel members and their assets, but it might also complicate diplomatic relations with Mexico and create legal challenges.

Tech Check-Up

The bill also mandates a thorough analysis of the technology used along the Southwest border. Within a year, the Secretary of Homeland Security has to give Congress a full report on what tech is needed to stop terrorism, fight cross-border crime (drugs and human smuggling), and keep legal trade flowing (SEC. 5). This includes everything from aircraft sensors and drones to surveillance, inspection tech, and even tunnel detection systems. Every two years after that, for the next four years, they have to provide updated analyses. These reports must consider several factors, including privacy implications of the technology being used (SEC. 5).

Real-World Impact: This could mean more high-tech surveillance along the border. While this might make the border more secure, it could also mean increased monitoring of people living and working in border communities. The bill specifically requires consideration of privacy, but how that plays out in practice remains to be seen.

Hiring Practices Review

Finally, the bill requires a report, due within 120 days of enactment, detailing the Department of Homeland Security's hiring practices from 2018 to 2024 (SEC. 6). The report must include recruitment strategies and recommendations for boosting the operational capacity of the DHS workforce. This aims to address staffing needs for border security.

Real-World Impact: This is all about making sure they have enough people to handle the increased workload that might come with the other parts of the bill. More boots on the ground could mean better border security, but it depends on how and where those people are deployed.