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Code · U.S. Code · Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE · CHAPTER 27— CUSTOMS · § 555

§ 555. Border tunnels and passages

563 words·~3 min read·/usc/title-18/section-555

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)Any person who knowingly constructs or finances the construction of a tunnel or subterranean passage that crosses the international border between the United States and another country, other than a lawfully authorized tunnel or passage known to the Secretary of Homeland Security and subject to inspection by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, shall be fined under this title and imprisoned for not more than 20 years.
(b)Any person who knows or recklessly disregards the construction or use of a tunnel or passage described in subsection
(a)on land that the person owns or controls shall be fined under this title and imprisoned for not more than 10 years.
(c)Any person who uses a tunnel or passage described in subsection
(a)to unlawfully smuggle an alien, goods (in violation of section 545), controlled substances, weapons of mass destruction (including biological weapons), or a member of a terrorist organization (as defined in section 2339B(g)(6)) shall be subject to a maximum term of imprisonment that is twice the maximum term of imprisonment that would have otherwise been applicable had the unlawful activity not made use of such a tunnel or passage.
(d)Any person who attempts or conspires to commit any offense under subsection
(a)or subsection
(c)of this section shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense, the commission of which was the object of the attempt or conspiracy.
(Added Pub. L. 109–295, title V, § 551(a), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1389, § 554; renumbered § 555, Pub. L. 110–161, div. E, title V, § 553(a)(1), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2082; amended Pub. L. 112–127, § 3, June 5, 2012, 126 Stat. 371.)
Connections11 cite this · traces to 1
11 references not yet in our index
  • Pub. L. 109–295, title V, § 551(a)
  • 120 Stat. 1389
  • Pub. L. 110–161, div. E, title V, § 553(a)(1)
  • 121 Stat. 2082
  • Pub. L. 112–127, § 3
  • 126 Stat. 371
  • Pub. L. 112–127
  • Pub. L. 110–161
  • Pub. L. 112–127, § 2
  • 126 Stat. 370
  • Public Law 109–295
Citation graph
cites case law
§ 555
Border tunnels and passages
Fed. Reg.×4
U.S.C.×3
Stat. Comp.×2
Stat.×2
Pub. L.Pub. L. 109–295, title V, § 551(a)
Stat.120 Stat. 1389
Pub. L.Pub. L. 110–161, div. E, title V, § 553(a)(1)
Stat.121 Stat. 2082
Pub. L.Pub. L. 112–127, § 3
Cites 12 · showing 6Cited by 11 across 4 sources
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