More delays at the border as US to check cars entering Mexico

More delays at the border as US to check cars entering Mexico

Posted on Jun 21, 2009 in Border News, News & Views by PMC Comments Off

In a “letter of intent” signed Monday between the United States and Mexico, U.S. border agents will start checking vehicles entering Mexico for guns and drug money.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Mexican Finance Minister Agustin Carstens committed their countries to strengthen co-operation in both law enforcement and trade compliance.

“Our view is that we can either point fingers at each other or we can work together,” said Napolitano. “People traveling south across the border will see more license-plate scanners and more canine teams in place.”

Part of the package includes working towards producing a single customs form that both governments would recognize and would make for a less complicated passage for both tourists and cross-border workers.

The United States has also pledged to help train 1,500 new Mexican customs officials.

Carstens was in agreement with Napolitano’s insistence on more cooperation. Said the Finance Minister: “The more we work together, the better the service and security we provide to our peoples and economies.”

A further boost to bilateral relations came Wednesday when a subcommittee of the House of Representatives approved 318.8 million dollars for the 2010 installment of the Merida Project.

The Merida Project is a security cooperation pact between the United States and the government of Mexico and the countries of Central America that aims to combat the threats of drug trafficking, transnational crime and money laundering. The assistance pumps money into training, equipment and intelligence.