DHS says new Biden-Harris executive action could help fight flow of fentanyl over border

PHOENIX — New executive actions from the Biden-Harris administration will help fight the flow of fentanyl over the U.S.-Mexico border, authorities announced on Friday.

This will be done by putting new regulations on small-value shipments that are worth $800 or less. They’re referred to as “de minimis” shipments.

Although they’re small, they can have hugely negative impacts. Since they’re exempt from duties and taxes, they can be used to secretly traffic illicit drugs like fentanyl over the border, DHS said.

In fact, DHS said there’s been a significant increase of shipments that claim the “de minimis” exception in recent years.

NEW: DHS’s workforce, particularly @CBP, is on the front lines of the Biden-Harris Administration’s new executive actions, announced today, to protect American consumers, workers, retailers, importers, and manufacturers by tackling the exponential growth of small packages… pic.twitter.com/a4v6MSL0aY

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 13, 2024

Illicit drugs have been devastating to Arizona communities. Accordingly, Maricopa County officials have been launching new strategies to help residents understand the dangers of fentanyl.

Last year, the county unveiled a Focus on Fentanyl website designed to help residents understand the growing impact of the drug.

However, the issue is still prevalent — and it’s getting worse, according to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.

Earlier this month, Mitchell told KTAR News 92.3 FM the annual number of cases related to possession, sale, transport or manufacturing of fentanyl has increased rapidly in recent years.

How could executive actions help stop flow of fentanyl?

The new executive actions are designed to help Customs and Border Protection intercept dangerous and illegal goods before they reach local communities.

A large number of fentanyl shipments are smuggled into the U.S. through small, low-value packages.

Thus, the new executive actions tightening regulations around these “de minimis” shipments could stop the flow of fentanyl into Arizona.

This is important because millions of these small packages enter the U.S. every day, according to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

“The actions announced today by the Biden-Harris Administration will help the Department keep pace with global electronic commerce and improve our ability to protect communities from fentanyl and its precursor chemicals,” Mayorkas said in a press release.

These regulations are badly needed and long overdue, he added.

The Biden-Harris administration said these executive actions will be carried out in the coming weeks and months.