S. 3796: Keeping International Land Ports of Entry Open Act

This bill prohibits Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees from being transferred out of any land port of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border, except in specified circumstances.

The bill permits transfers only if (1) the employee is immediately replaced by an employee of similar ability; (2) the transfer would not affect the processing of trade through the port of entry; or (3) the transfer is necessary to actively engage in physical detentions to secure the U.S.-Mexico border.

Further, DHS must provide a written notice and explanation of any such transfer to the public and to specified congressional committees no later than 24 hours after the transfer. The committees are the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.