Senator Introduces Legislation to Address Illegal Border Tunnels

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is putting forward a new bill aimed at tackling illegal crossings via tunnels along the southern border. This legislation, known as the “Subterranean Border Defense Act,” mandates annual reports on strategies to combat illegal cross-border tunnel activities.

The proposed law seeks to amend the existing Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2012, calling for an annual update from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding efforts made against such tunnel operations. Specifically, it states:

Paragraph (2) of section 7134(a) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 6 U.S.C. 257 note) is amended by inserting ‘‘and annually thereafter’’ after ‘‘development of the strategic plan.’’

This initiative follows a recent investigation by a Homeland Security Task Force that revealed a tunnel measuring 1,933 feet, connecting Tijuana, Mexico, to near San Diego’s Otay Mesa Port of Entry. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the tunnel’s entry point was linked to a retail store named “Buy 4 Less.”

ICE reported:

The Homeland Security Investigations Tunnel Task Force began surveillance on Buy 4 Less in December 2025 after noticing suspicious behavior—like low customer traffic and individuals moving empty suitcases between the store and vehicles or across the border.

Authorities executed search warrants at Buy 4 Less and a nearby mechanic shop, uncovering the tunnel hidden beneath the store floor, which was accessible via a hydraulic lift. The tunnel spanned approximately 1,064 feet toward the U.S.-Mexico border and extended another 800 feet into Mexico.

During the operation, agents seized over 2,200 pounds of cocaine from vehicles involved. Scott’s office indicates that over the past 30 years, authorities have discovered more than 140 tunnels crossing into the U.S.

Scott criticized the current administration, stating, “For four miserable years, Joe Biden rolled out the red carpet for human traffickers, drug smugglers, and other international criminals to illegally enter and terrorize our country.” He contrasted the current situation with that of President Trump’s presidency, claiming, “Our communities were flooded with drugs brought through border tunnels, and Americans paid the price.”

Kevin Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego, commented on the importance of the tunnel’s discovery: “The discovery and dismantlement of this sophisticated cross-border tunnel, along with the seizure of more than a ton of cocaine, underscore the commitment and collaboration of Homeland Security Investigations and our Homeland Security Task Force partners.”

Scott further noted, “Under President Trump, fentanyl deaths have plummeted, and our neighborhoods are safer… this bill is a strong step to keeping America and her people safe in the long run.”

Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), who initially passed this legislation last year, expressed gratitude to Senator Scott for his leadership in the Senate, emphasizing the bill’s role in enhancing oversight of illegal tunnels. He added, “With the Trump administration successfully halting illegal crossings at our border, it’s never been more important to block alternative routes.”

Crane also reiterated lawmakers’ responsibility to fight human trafficking and drug smuggling. “This bill already passed the House in an overwhelming, bipartisan vote, and today’s introduction in the upper chamber brings us one step closer to becoming law,” he remarked.

Earlier this summer, Senator Scott proposed the “Illegal Immigration Cost Recovery Act,” which aims to increase fines on illegal immigrants who attempt to enter the U.S. unlawfully or fail to leave after a removal order. The act also seeks to impose stricter penalties on employers hiring unauthorized workers:

The bill would raise civil penalties for improper entry from a range of $50 to $250 to $200 to $1,000. Additionally, the penalty for failure to depart would rise from $500 to $1,996. For employers, the penalties for hiring undocumented workers would increase significantly across multiple offenses.

Scott commented on the importance of addressing illegal immigration, affirming, “Illegal immigration is, in fact, illegal and has consequences.” He emphasized the need for Congress to support President Trump’s efforts to restore law and order.