Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano explains that the U.S. is slated to start training Mexican officers to provide additional security around the U.S.-Mexico border. This is the result of the enhancement of the 2007 Bilateral Strategic Plan. (0:32)
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano discusses a recently enhanced plan to strengthen the cooperation between Mexico and the U.S. in policing the border. Napolitano goes on to explain that this focus on cooperation will result in a South-bound law enforcement strategy and greater data sharing among agencies. (0:46)
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano discusses the accomplishments of the 2007 Bilateral Strategic Plan designed to promote cooperation between Mexico and the U.S on border security. Napolitano also explains how Monday’s extension of the 2007 initiative is expected to allow for more inspections and more use of technology during customs control. (0:46)
By Celia Canon
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Mexican Finance Minister Agustin Carstens signed a letter of intent announcing new areas of cooperation on the U.S-Mexican border during a press conference Monday at the Ronald Reagan Center.
In 2007, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) along with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had agreed upon a bilateral program that allowed Mexico and the U.S to join forces in order to safeguard trade and combat illegal activity at the border.
Today’s announcement boosted the 2007 Bilateral Strategic Plan by updating agencies’ technology, training Mexican officers for Border Patrol service, and preventing criminals from entering Mexico.
Napolitano praised the extension, saying “The U.S is a full partner with Mexico and the Calderon administration as we satisfy our twin goals of a secure border and a resilient border that allows legitimate trade and commerce to pass but that keeps out drugs, that keeps out weapons, keeps out the cash that fuels these cartels and… makes certain that the border is safe and secure for those who live there.”
Carstens reflected on the importance of this fundamental cooperation for the completion of both Mexican and American interests.
“We both acknowledge that…our joint efforts will translate into more secure and competitive North America,” said Carstens.
The 2007 initiative has already been met with considerable success.
“We have seized [three times] the amount of arms, we’ve seized 50% more drugs,” said Napolitano.
