Bills target cartel recruitment, crimes against American youths
by: Julian Resendiz
Posted: Jul 17, 2025 / 01:21 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 17, 2025 / 01:22 PM CDT
Vasquez's No More Narcos Act, Stop Coyotes Act garner support of educators and some law enforcement officials
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Transnational criminal organizations often recruit young people on the U.S. side of the Mexican border to help them smuggle migrants and drugs – sometimes with tragic consequences.
Now, a congressman from New Mexico is bringing back two bills aiming to curb that trend through a federally funded public awareness campaign and increasing prison time for smugglers.
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-New Mexico, says the No More Narcos Act (initially introduced in the 118th Congress) and the Stops Coyotes Act (which reached the House Subcommittee on Border Security in 2023) have bipartisan support. They were reintroduced recently.
“My bipartisan bills strengthen our ability to disrupt cartel activity, protect our kids from exploitation, and equip local law enforcement with the tools and coordination they need to keep communities safe,” said Vasquez, whose initiatives already have garnered support from some educators and law enforcement officials.
https://www.borderreport.com/immigration/border-crime/bills-target-cartel-recruitment-crimes-against-american-youths/
