U.S. Defends Crime-Fighting Near Mexico

U.S. Defends Crime-Fighting Near Mexico


Tuesday August 16, 2005 11:46 PM

By JENNIFER TALHELM

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. government on Tuesday defended efforts by
the United States and Mexico to stem violence and drug trafficking on
the border following decisions by two Southwestern states to declare
an emergency in their border counties.

In the last week, the governors of Arizona and New Mexico said the
U.S. government's inability to control crime and violence related to
illegal immigration was forcing them to take matters into their own hands.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said the United States and
Mexico are working together "to address violence stemming from
organized crime along the Mexican border."

A spokesman for the Homeland Security Department said in an interview
that the agency has made "extraordinary progress" by adding new
technology and beefing up the number of border patrol agents on the
ground. It also has intensified its work in Arizona.

Richardson said Tuesday the Mexican government has to do more.