 |
|
|
 News Around the Republic of Mexico | March 2006 
US, Mexico Set Plan to Battle Border Violence
 AFP
| | Americans' demand for illegal drugs has created powerful crime syndicates in Mexico. The country's police, only partly reformed, struggle to keep up. |
The United States and Mexico agreed on an action plan to confront violent activity along the two countries' shared border, with the aim of breaking up criminal groups operating on the frontier.
"We are pledging swift and aggressive action to combat violent criminal activity at the border, and we'll continue to share critical information to target and dismantle these dangerous criminal networks," said the secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, after meeting with Mexican Interior Minister Carlos Abascal in Brownsville, Texas.
"Being good neighbors starts at the border. With these agreements on border security and public safety we strengthen our bridges of understanding and cooperation," Chertoff said in a Homeland Security statement.
According to the head of the US border patrol, violent acts against his agents rose 108 percent during 2005.
In January US politicians and media raised alarms after an incident in which suspected drug traffickers wearing military uniforms were surprised by police when they attempted to cross the border near El Paso, Texas.
According to the Homeland Security statement, the two sides agreed to ensure immediate communications and information-sharing between authorities during emergency situations with cross-border implications.
The plan also sets the basis for coordinated investigations and detentions of people involved in violent activity along the border. |
| |
|
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us