US HB506

Authorizes $110 million annually for fiscal years 2025-2028 for Operation Stonegarden grants, plus at least $36.67 million annually for border technology including communications equipment, sensors, and drones

Establishes an Operation Stonegarden Trust Fund funded by unreported monetary instruments seized by Customs and Border Protection at the U.S.-Mexico border

Requires the Secretary of State to report within 60 days on whether six Mexican drug cartels (Jalisco New Generation, Sinaloa, Juarez, Tijuana, Gulf, Los Zetas) and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua meet criteria for Foreign Terrorist Organization designation

Mandates a comprehensive technology needs analysis for Southwest border security within one year, covering surveillance systems, unmanned aerial systems, tunnel detection, communications equipment, and nonintrusive inspection technology, with biannual updates for four years

Requires DHS to submit a report within 120 days on departmental hiring and recruitment practices from 2018-2024, including recommendations for improving workforce operational capacity