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

Legislation aims to strengthen legal safeguards for CBP personnel when supporting non-immigration enforcement operations

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 providing security at major events. Gonzales says the legislation is needed to create a "level playing field" in terms of legal protections for CBP officers when they are called upon to assist local authorities in matters outside of their primary immigration enforcement duties.

Why it matters

The bill comes as the U.S. is set to host several high-profile sporting events, including the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Summer Olympics, where CBP may be called upon to provide security and support. Gonzales argues the legislation is necessary to ensure CBP personnel can focus on their mission without worrying about potential legal risks, amid efforts by some Democrats to defund the Department of Homeland Security.

The details

The Homeland Threat Response Act would expand the authority and legal protections for CBP's elite Special Operations Group (SOG) units, including BORTAC (Border Patrol Tactical Unit) and BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue), when they are deployed to assist state and local law enforcement. Gonzales says these highly trained CBP personnel are often called upon for matters unrelated to immigration enforcement, such as mass shootings and other major incidents, but currently don't have the same level of legal safeguards as other law enforcement officers working outside their primary jurisdiction.

  • On January 2026, Rep. Tony Gonzales introduced the Homeland Threat Response Act.
  • On Sunday, February 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 unit within the U.S. Border Patrol's Special Operations Group.

BORSTAR

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

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The federal law enforcement agency that oversees the U.S. Border Patrol and is part of the Department of Homeland Security.

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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 judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.