The PATROL Act prohibits the Department of Justice from suing states for building border security structures in navigable waters without federal approval. This would prevent federal enforcement actions against state-built barriers, dams, or other structures in rivers along the U.S. border, effectively allowing states to construct border infrastructure in waterways.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The PATROL Act prohibits the Department of Justice from suing states for building border security structures in navigable waters without federal approval. This would prevent federal enforcement actions against state-built barriers, dams, or other structures in rivers along the U.S. border, effectively allowing states to construct border infrastructure in waterways.
Last updated: 12/30/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Preventing Aliens Through Rivers or Land Act or the PATROL Act</strong></p><p>This bill prohibits the Department of Justice (DOJ) from bringing certain civil actions against a state for building a physical structure impacting navigable waters along the U.S. border for security purposes. Specifically, the DOJ is prohibited from bringing an action for (1) the construction of a bridge, causeway, dam, dike, or other structure over or in a port, harbor, or other navigable water of the United States without federal approval; or (2) the creation of any obstruction to the navigable capacity of waters of the United States without federal approval.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Prohibits DOJ suits against states for border structures
Allows state-built barriers in navigable border waters
Removes federal approval requirement for states
Applies to bridges, dams, dikes and other structures
Addresses border security in river areas
Expands state authority over border waterways
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would remove federal oversight of state construction in navigable waters along the border, allowing states like Texas to build barriers in the Rio Grande without federal approval. Currently, structures in navigable waters require federal permits and can be challenged by DOJ. The bill represents an expansion of state power over border security and waterway management, potentially conflicting with international water treaties and environmental protections.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Immigration
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
992, 119th Congress (2025). "PATROL Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-992
