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 News from Around the Americas | September 2007 
In Mexico, US Defends Its 'Virtual' Border Fence
 Associated Press
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| | U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff listens to questions at a news conference at the closing of the Mexico U.S. Border Conference in Puerto Penasco, Mexico, Friday, Sept. 28, 2007. (AP/Guillermo Arias) |
Puerto Penasco, Mexico — Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Friday that the United States and Mexico were discussing joint programs to fight drug gangs and organized crime and defended a plan to install "virtual" fences along the border.
Speaking before the 25th annual meeting of U.S. and Mexican border governors at this Gulf of California resort, Chertoff said his department is on target to reach goals for strengthening the Border Patrol to 18,000 agents nationwide and approving the virtual fences, which use sensors and cameras to detect border crossers.
Chertoff defended the project but acknowledged that "we're slightly delayed — his is not uncommon for high-technology projects." He said he hopes final testing of the virtual fence components will be held within a month. The U.S. intends to have 370 miles of fencing and 200 miles of vehicle barriers in place by 2009.
He also praised the Mexican government for a nationwide offensive launched early this year against drug cartels, including the deployment of more than 20,000 soldiers and federal police agents in states hit hard by violence blamed on the gangs. The country also has been rocked by a series of gas-pipeline bombings claimed by leftist rebels.
"I have nothing but good things to say about the approach that President [Felipe] Calderon has taken to dealing with organized crime in Mexico, which is a very serious threat to the authority of the government and law enforcement in parts of Mexico," Chertoff said. |
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