Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2025
Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2025 - Summary **What it would do:** This bill would require three federal agencies—the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and Department of State—to work together to develop and carry out a plan to stop criminal cartels from using social media and messaging apps to recruit people in the United States. The focus is on stopping cartels from using these platforms to recruit Americans to participate in illegal activities like drug trafficking, human trafficking, weapons smuggling, and other crimes, particularly near the U.S.-Mexico border. **Who it affects:** The bill would primarily impact federal law enforcement and border security agencies tasked with implementation. It could indirectly affect social media companies if they're required to cooperate with these efforts, and it targets criminal organizations operating across U.S.
borders. The general public would be affected to the extent that reducing cartel recruitment could impact crime rates. **Current status:** The bill (HR 488) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-Arizona) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2025This bill requires the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and State to combat the use of social media by transnational criminal organizations to recruit individuals in the United States for illicit activities. Specifically, the departments must jointly assess and implement a strategy to combat the use of social media platforms, messaging services, and other interactive digital platforms by these organizations to recruit individuals to engage in or support unlawful activities in the United States, Mexico, or otherwise near a U.S. international border.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.