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

The legislation aims to create a 'level playing field' for CBP personnel when they assist local authorities outside their primary jurisdiction.

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 certain violent acts, shootings, and mass killings, as well as for securing big events. Gonzales says the legislation is needed to provide the same level of protection for CBP officers when they are called upon to assist local law enforcement, as they currently aren't afforded the same protections as other law enforcement officers while working outside their primary jurisdiction.

Why it matters

The legislation comes as the United States is poised to host several major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Summer Olympics, where CBP personnel may be called upon to assist local authorities in security and other matters. Gonzales argues the bill is necessary to ensure CBP officers can focus on their mission without worrying about potential legal risks, especially amid talks by some Democrats to defund the Department of Homeland Security.

The details

The Homeland Threat Response Act would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the deployment and assistance of CBP personnel, including elite units like BORTAC (Border Patrol Tactical Unit) and BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue), for investigations of certain violent acts, shootings, and mass killings, as well as for securing big events. Gonzales says the legislation is needed to provide the same level of protection for CBP officers when they are called upon to assist local law enforcement, as they currently aren't afforded the same protections as other law enforcement officers while working outside their primary jurisdiction of immigration enforcement.

  • On Sunday, Super Bowl LX will be played in Santa Clara, California.
  • In July, 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 unit within the U.S. Border Patrol's Special Operations Group (SOG).

BORSTAR

The Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue, an elite unit within the U.S. Border Patrol's Special Operations Group (SOG).

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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. Let's make sure that a federal officer in this space isn't thinking about 'what if...' they are focused solely on their mission and completing the mission like they're trained to do.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The Homeland Threat Response Act will now move through the legislative process, with Gonzales hoping to garner bipartisan support for the bill.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to provide greater legal protections and clarity for CBP personnel, including elite units like BORTAC and BORSTAR, when they are called upon to assist state and local law enforcement in matters outside their primary jurisdiction of immigration enforcement. The goal is to ensure these highly trained federal officers can focus on their mission without worrying about potential legal risks, especially as the U.S. prepares to host major events that may require their assistance.