Gonzales Introduces Bill to Expand Protections for Border Patrol Assisting State, Local Law Enforcement

The Homeland Threat Response Act would strengthen legal protections for CBP personnel when helping local authorities

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, has introduced the Homeland Threat Response Act, which would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the deployment and assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel, including elite units like BORTAC and BORSTAR, for investigations of violent acts, shootings, and mass killings, as well as for securing big events. The legislation aims to provide the same level of legal protections for CBP officers when assisting local law enforcement outside of their primary immigration enforcement duties.

Why it matters

This bill is being introduced as the U.S. prepares to host several major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Summer Olympics, where CBP personnel may be called upon to help provide security and support local authorities. Gonzales argues the legislation is necessary to ensure CBP officers can focus on their mission without worrying about potential legal risks.

The details

The Homeland Threat Response Act would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to explicitly authorize the deployment and assistance of CBP personnel, including elite tactical units like BORTAC and BORSTAR, for investigations of violent crimes, mass shootings, and other major incidents, as well as for securing large events. Gonzales says this would create "a level playing field" in terms of legal protections for CBP officers when working outside their primary immigration enforcement duties.

  • On January 2026, Rep. Tony Gonzales introduced the Homeland Threat Response Act.
  • On Sunday, February 6, 2026, Super Bowl LX will be played in Santa Clara, California.
  • In July 2026, several American cities will host games for the FIFA World Cup.
  • In 2028, Los Angeles will be the site of the Summer Olympics.

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican Congressman from Texas who introduced the Homeland Threat Response Act.

BORTAC

The Border Patrol Tactical Unit, an elite team within the U.S. Border Patrol's Special Operations Group.

BORSTAR

The Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue team, another elite unit within the U.S. Border Patrol's Special Operations Group.

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What they’re saying

“They're doing so at a risk. They're called upon and asked to operate in other spaces that aren't their necessarily primary duty.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Fox News Digital)

“This creates a level playing field when it comes to protection.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Fox News Digital)

“It's going to be this group that's going to keep us safe.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Fox News Digital)

“I'm seeing Democrats cave to the liberal left that want to defund and want to make it harder for law enforcement to do its job.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to allow the Homeland Threat Response Act to move forward in the legislative process.

The takeaway

This bill aims to provide stronger legal protections for U.S. Border Patrol personnel, including elite tactical units, when they are called upon to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in matters outside of their primary immigration enforcement duties. The legislation is being introduced as the U.S. prepares to host several major events that may require increased CBP involvement in security and support roles.