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HR 5980

Mexico Cross-Border Crime Accountability Act

119th Congress Introduced by Jefferson Shreve

HR 5980 enhances U.S.-Mexico cooperation to combat cross-border crime by developing a structured security assistance strategy, improving law enforcement and public safety.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 5980

Summary of HR 5980: Mexico Cross-Border Crime Accountability Act

Overview

The Mexico Cross-Border Crime Accountability Act (HR 5980) was introduced in the House of Representatives on November 7, 2025. The bill mandates the development of a comprehensive strategy for United States security assistance to Mexico, aimed at addressing cross-border crime and enhancing security cooperation between the two nations.

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of HR 5980 is to create a structured approach for U.S. security assistance to Mexico, focusing on dismantling transnational criminal networks and improving the capacity of Mexican law enforcement and judicial institutions. The bill seeks to enhance bilateral cooperation in combating issues such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and public corruption.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several critical components that the Secretary of State must include in the strategy report, which is due 180 days after the enactment of the Act:

  1. Detailed Security Assistance Plan:

    • Strategies to dismantle transnational criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, weapons trafficking, cybercrimes, and money laundering.
    • Plans to bolster the capabilities of Mexico’s military and public security institutions.
    • Initiatives to strengthen the rule of law and combat public corruption through enhanced institutional capacity of civilian courts.

  2. Implementation Summary:

    • A list of projects, activities, and the government entities or NGOs involved in implementing the strategy.

  3. Assessment Metrics:

    • Establishing priorities, baselines, milestones, and performance measures to evaluate progress.

  4. Evaluation of Past Assistance:

    • A review of previous U.S. assistance to Mexico under the Mérida Initiative, assessing its effectiveness based on established metrics.

  5. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:

    • A framework for ongoing assessment of the strategy's effectiveness.

  6. Fraud Risk Assessment:

    • An evaluation of potential fraud risks associated with U.S. programs in Mexico, including existing controls and risk prioritization.

  7. Bilateral Cooperation Overview:

    • A summary of existing cooperation mechanisms between the U.S. and Mexico, including diplomatic and security assistance efforts.

  8. Reporting Format:

    • The report must be submitted in an unclassified format, with the option to include a classified annex.

  9. Annual Updates:

    • The Secretary of State is required to provide written updates and briefings on the strategy's implementation for two years following the initial report.

  10. Non-Authorization Clause:

    • The bill explicitly states that it does not authorize the use of military force against Mexico or any entities within its borders.

Impact

The Mexico Cross-Border Crime Accountability Act is designed to enhance U.S.-Mexico cooperation in combating crime that crosses their shared border. It aims to improve security in both countries by providing a structured approach to security assistance, thereby potentially reducing the influence of transnational criminal organizations and improving public safety.

Legislative Status

  • Introduced: November 7, 2025
  • Referred to: House Committee on Foreign Affairs

This bill represents a significant step towards addressing the complex issues of cross-border crime and enhancing security collaboration between the United States and Mexico.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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