Should Money Seized From Drug Cartel Members Like 'El Chapo' Go to Funding the Border Wall? (S. 25)

What is S. 25?

(Updated April 18, 2021)

This bill — known as the EL CHAPO Act — would reserve any illegally obtained drug profits forfeited to the U.S. government by Joaquin Guzman Loera (aka El Chapo) for the construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and stopping the flow of narcotics into the U.S. It would also reserve other assets forfeited by convicted members of drug cartels for border wall construction and other security measures. The federal government is currently seeking the forfeiture of $14 billion from El Chapo.
The bill’s full title is the Ensuring Lawful Collection of Hidden Assets to Provide Order Act.

Argument in favor

By using assets forfeited by El Chapo and other members of drug cartels to fund the border wall, American taxpayers won’t have to foot the bill.

Argument opposed

No matter where the money comes from, a border wall and enhanced security measures on the U.S.-Mexico border are unnecessary.

Impact

El Chapo and other convicted members of drug cartels who forfeit assets to the U.S. government; and the U.S. government.

Cost of S. 25

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced this bill to use that any funds forfeited by El Chapo and other convicted members of drug cartels for building the border wall and stemming the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S.:

“Congress has a clear mandate from the American people: secure the border and build the wall. Ensuring the safety and security of Texans is one of my top priorities. Indeed, I have long called for building a wall as a necessary step in defending our border. Fourteen billion dollars will go a long way to secure our southern border, and hinder the illegal flow of drugs, weapons, and individuals. By leveraging any criminally forfeited assets of El Chapo and other murderous drug lords, we can offset the cost of securing our border and make meaningful progress toward delivering on the promises made to the American people.”