Durbin Statement on New U.S.-Mexico Border Security Policy
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement in response to the Obama Administration’s announcement of a new U.S.-Mexico border security policy:
“I commend the Obama Administration for their comprehensive approach to tackling the problem of Mexican drug cartels.
With more than 7,000 murders since January 2008, and cartels operating in some 230 American cities – including in Chicago, Joliet and East St. Louis, Illinois - Mexican drug cartels pose a very real threat to Americans.
The Administration’s strategy recognizes the importance of investigating and prosecuting drug and gun trafficking networks. Stemming the tide of money and guns flowing out of our country and into the hands of the cartels is a fundamental law enforcement challenge that will require sustained cooperation across the border and at federal, state and local levels.
I look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to provide the additional resources and authority needed to defeat the drug cartels.”
Senator Durbin is the Chairman of the Senate Crime and Drugs Subcommittee, which last week held the first hearing in the Senate on Mexican drug cartels.
Durbin also commended the Administration for recognizing the role of Mexican drug cartels in cities throughout the country – including Illinois – not just along the Southern border.
The Administration announced that the Drug Enforcement Administration is forming four additional Mobile Enforcement Teams (METs) to target Mexican methamphetamine trafficking. One of these METs will be based in Chicago.
In addition the Office of Justice Programs is making available $30 million in stimulus funding grants to assist with state and local law enforcement efforts to combat Mexican cartel drug trafficking in High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, such as Chicago.