HB6907 requires the Department of Homeland Security to expand outbound inspections at the southern border by funding up to 50 non-intrusive imaging systems and related infrastructure. It also authorizes a significant increase in Homeland Security Investigations personnel to target currency and firearms smuggling and other contraband, supported by additional staff.
The bill adds reporting requirements, including a minimum outbound inspection rate and periodic seizure tallies, and contemplates a planned growth path to higher inspection shares while outlining a five-year sunset. These measures are designed to disrupt cartels’ cross-border activity by expanding surveillance, enforcement, and accountability.
At a Glance
What It Does
The bill authorizes up to 50 imaging systems and related infrastructure for outbound inspections and directs DHS to deploy these resources along the Southern Border to inspect people, vehicles, and conveyances traveling to Mexico. It also contemplates expanding inspection capacity and different inspection technologies.
Who It Affects
CBP field operations at southern ports of entry, DHS components, port authorities, and transportation operators involved in cross-border movement.
Why It Matters
This framework formalizes outbound inspection capabilities and oversight, establishing a measurable ramp for enforcement that aims to disrupt cartels’ smuggling networks and improve interagency coordination with Mexico.
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What This Bill Actually Does
HB6907 would modernize and expand outbound inspections at the U.S.-Mexico border. It authorizes DHS to purchase up to 50 additional non-intrusive imaging systems and the infrastructure to support them, with deployment focused on monitoring traffic moving from the United States into Mexico.
The intent is to enhance the ability to screen outbound conveyances for currency and firearms, contraband, and related smuggling activity. The act also contemplates alternative inspection equipment if needed and provides a sunset after five years.
The bill doubles down on enforcement by authorizing the Director of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to hire at least 200 new special agents—100 dedicated to currency and firearms smuggling and 100 to other smuggling, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal entry cases—with additional support staff as necessary. This staffing expansion is paired with a new reporting requirement to track resources, operations, and cross-border cooperation efforts with Mexico and Canada.
A core operational innovation is the minimum outbound inspection requirement: not fewer than 10% of all outbound conveyances from the United States to Mexico must be inspected before departure by March 30, 2027, using imaging, physical inspections, or other DHS-authorized methods. By March 30, 2028, DHS must report on the timeline and resource needs to reach 15% and 20% inspection rates.
Finally, the bill imposes a quarterly report on currency and firearms seizures at outbound inspections, with data on seizures, dollar totals, and related incidents at ports of entry. These provisions are framed to improve interdiction results while balancing operational feasibility and cross-border cooperation.
The Five Things You Need to Know
The bill requires DHS to deploy up to 50 additional non-intrusive imaging systems and related infrastructure for southbound inspections.
HSI must hire at least 200 new special agents (100 for currency and firearms smuggling, 100 for other smuggling and entry offences) plus necessary support staff.
By March 30, 2027, not fewer than 10% of outbound conveyances must be inspected before leaving the United States.
By March 30, 2028, DHS must report on the resources and timeline to raise inspection rates to 15% and 20%.
CBP must begin quarterly reports detailing currency and firearms seizures and related data at outbound inspections.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
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Definitions and scope
Defines key terms, including the “Southern Border” as the U.S.-Mexico land border, and lists the “appropriate congressional committees” for oversight. The definitions set the jurisdiction and scope for the outbound inspection program and associated reporting and oversight mechanisms.
Imaging systems and infrastructure
Authorizes DHS to purchase up to 50 non-intrusive imaging systems and related infrastructure. It directs deployment along the Southern Border for outbound inspections and permits alternative equipment as needed. A five-year sunset applies to these provisions, after which the authorities lapse unless renewed.
HSI personnel and support
The Director of ICE shall hire and assign at least 200 new HSI special agents: 100 to focus on currency and firearms smuggling, and 100 to address contraband, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and unauthorized entry. The bill also authorizes necessary support staff to back these agents.
Reports to Congress
A DHS report due within one year must catalog resources (equipment, personnel, infrastructure) and outline annual budget needs for outbound and inbound inspections, including cross-border cooperation. The report covers inspection cadences, potential alternative sites near ports of entry, and capacity estimates for imaging deployments.
Minimum outbound inspection rate
Not later than March 30, 2027, DHS must ensure not fewer than 10% of outbound conveyances are inspected before departure. Inspections may use imaging, canine and physical inspections, or other DHS-approved methods. A subsequent report due by March 30, 2028 assesses path to higher percentages (15% and 20%).
Currency and firearms seizures quarterly report
Within 90 days of enactment and every 90 days thereafter for four years, CBP must report currency seizures, firearm seizures, and related dollar figures from outbound inspections, plus summaries of incidents at U.S. ports of entry.
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Explore Government in Codify Search →Who Benefits and Who Bears the Cost
Every bill creates winners and losers. Here's who stands to gain and who bears the cost.
Who Benefits
- CBP field operations at southern border ports of entry, which gain imaging systems and infrastructure to speed outbound checks and improve detection.
- HSI special agents, who will receive additional staffing to pursue currency, firearms, contraband, and trafficking cases.
- Border communities, which stand to benefit from reduced smuggling and enhanced security at the border.
- U.S. prosecutors and DHS components involved in cross-border enforcement will have more cases and data to pursue
- Mexican authorities, through increased coordination and capability to detect and interdict illicit flows in cooperation with U.S. agencies
Who Bears the Cost
- U.S. taxpayers funding expanded equipment and staffing for outbound inspections.
- CBP frontline officers and support staff facing higher workload and resource demands to implement new inspections.
- HSI personnel and related administrative and training costs for the new agents and support staff.
- Transport operators and logistics providers who may experience delays or additional compliance requirements during outbound inspections.
- Mexico’s government and partner agencies that participate in cross-border enforcement and information sharing
Key Issues
The Core Tension
The central dilemma is whether expanding outbound inspections with additional imaging, personnel, and cross-border cooperation can be scaled effectively and sustainably, without imposing excessive costs or disrupting legitimate trade and travel, while also addressing civil liberties and interagency coordination challenges.
The bill creates a significant new outbound inspection program at the southern border, funded by expanding imaging capabilities and personnel, with a five-year sunset. While the objective is clearer interdiction of cartels and illicit flows, the plan raises questions about funding sustainability, operational feasibility at scale, and potential impacts on cross-border trade and civil liberties.
The success of the program will depend on how DHS sequences acquisitions, training, and deployments across ports of entry, and how it coordinates with Mexico and other partners. The reporting requirements begin to illuminate outcomes, but the real test will be whether the 10% baseline can be achieved without causing undue disruption to legitimate traffic and commerce.
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