After a week of bloodshed and protests across the border, top U.S. government officials are speaking out on what has to be done to prevent a spillover of violence.
United States Senator John Cornyn spent the day in Laredo and made it clear that the United States must be a part of the solution.
John Cornyn, United States Senator
“I think they've got a terrible fight on their hands and they’re doing everything they can now its the army to try to fill in where local law enforcement has unfortunately been compromised and intimidated by cartels
Minutes after a briefing from local law enforcement, Senator John Cornyn speaks out on the Mexican government's attempts to calm the violence across the border.
Drug violence is to blame for more than 6,000 causalities in Mexico last year.
U.S. agencies all witness to the attempts to smuggle weapons across.
Jerry Robinette, Special Agent In charge, I.C.E.
“Nine millimeters, automatic revolvers, automatic weapons, automatic rifles, ak47's, ar-15 ... basically anything that has power
Mexican authorities say 90% of smuggled weapons come from the United States.
According to A.T.F., over 7,000 guns sold in America were traced to Mexico in 2008.
“We're working with the government of Mexico with our own operation Armas Crusadas so we can share this information so that we don’t just do an investigation that stops here on the border so we can know where this individual was going.”
Meanwhile the U.S. senator says time will tell if the Merida Intitivate, aimed at providing training for Mexican law enforcement, will be successful.
But between well-armed cartels and the U.S.’s insatiable appetite for drugs, Cornyn says it’s a battle President Calderon must win quickly.
“I think they’re doing they’re best I really do but its our desire to help them do even more then they are now.”
Annette Garcia, Pro 8 News.
Cornyn says he has faith in the Merida Initiative and adds that everything possible will be done to ensure that equipment doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.
He adds that it is vital for the U.S. government to stay involved to insure the safety of its people.