This bill creates a pilot program to test advanced technologies for detecting fentanyl and other contraband at land border crossings. Customs and Border Protection would evaluate AI, machine learning, and enhanced X-ray systems to improve inspections of vehicles entering the U.S.
Latest Action
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 187.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill creates a pilot program to test advanced technologies for detecting fentanyl and other contraband at land border crossings. Customs and Border Protection would evaluate AI, machine learning, and enhanced X-ray systems to improve inspections of vehicles entering the U.S.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Contraband Awareness Technology Catches Harmful Fentanyl Act or the CATCH Fentanyl Act </strong></p><p>This bill establishes a pilot program for improving the inspection of conveyances or modes of transportation at land ports of entry along U.S. borders to detect contraband, illegal drugs, illegal weapons, human smuggling, and threats. Specifically, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Innovation Team must test technology in at least one of the categories of artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-performance computing, quantum information sciences, or other emerging technologies. The team must also test and collect data regarding at least five types of enhancements to nonintrusive inspection technology (e.g., X-ray machines) able to be deployed at land ports of entry.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Establishes pilot program for border inspection technology
Tests AI and machine learning for contraband detection
Evaluates enhanced X-ray and nonintrusive inspection systems
Targets fentanyl, drugs, weapons, and human smuggling
Deploys at land ports of entry along U.S. borders
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Border agents would have access to more sophisticated tools for detecting fentanyl hidden in vehicles crossing from Mexico. With fentanyl overdoses killing tens of thousands annually, improved detection technology could intercept more of the deadly drug before it reaches American communities.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Immigration
Related Subjects
Advanced technology and technological innovations
Border security and unlawful immigration
Computers and information technology
Congressional oversight
Customs enforcement
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Law enforcement administration and funding
Performance measurement
Smuggling and trafficking
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
1569, 119th Congress (2025). "CATCH Fentanyl Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1569
