Stop COYOTES Act

# Stop COYOTES Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Stop COYOTES Act (HR 4472) aims to strengthen federal penalties and enforcement against human smugglers and trafficking networks that operate along the U.S. border. "COYOTES" refers to smugglers who illegally transport people across borders.

The bill would enhance tools available to law enforcement to prosecute and combat human trafficking operations, which often involve dangerous and exploitative conditions for migrants. **Who It Affects:** The legislation would primarily impact human smuggling organizations and the federal agencies tasked with border enforcement and human trafficking prevention. Indirectly, it affects migrants who may be vulnerable to exploitation by smuggling networks, as well as communities near border regions where smuggling operations occur. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), whose district includes the New Mexico-Mexico border region. *Note: Specific provisions of the bill are not detailed in the available information provided.*.