Senator Questions Top Officials at State Dept. ICE FBI & DEA on Border Violence
WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committees Immigration Refugees and Border Subcommittee today questioned top officials from the U.S. Department of State Immigration and Customs Enforcement Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration on border violence during a Senate Drug" Caucus on International Narcotics Control hearing.
During the Senate Drug Caucus hearing which was co-chaired by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) Senator Cornyn heard from federal officials on drug trafficking violence in Mexico and its implications for the United States. In addition to these federal agencies present at the hearing Cornyn also heard from Leonard Miranda Captain of the Chula Vista Police Department in California and Don Reay Executive Director of the Texas Border Sheriffs Coalition. Following his opening statement Sen. Cornyn released the following remarks as prepared for delivery:
Sen. John Cornyn Senate Drug Caucus Opening Statement
Wednesday May 5 2010
As Prepared For Delivery
Madame Chair thank you for hosting this caucus hearing to discuss border violence and drug trafficking. As a border Senator I know you appreciate the importance of the southwest border and our relationship with Mexico.
Border Violence
Border violence is not new. But the recent increase in border violence is. Most Americans are not aware of the level drug cartel violence in Mexico. It was not until the recent murders of consulate employees in Ciudad Juarez and Arizona rancher Robert Krentz that border violence even became front page news.
In the last year alone 22000 Mexican nationals have been killed as a result of the President Calderons crack down on the drug cartels. Drug traffickers have become more creative in moving their cargo and emboldened to take any measures to protect their supplies.
With their criminal enterprises under attack cartel leaders are turning to kidnapping extortions gun battles and assassinations to protect their trade. As a result drug trafficking and gang warfare has become a major challenge for the law enforcement community in the U.S. as well as Mexico.
Impact on Local Communities
Border violence also has had an effect on communities all along our southern border. Violence has claimed innocent lives on both sides of the border. Many people fear for their safety. And lawful trade and travel across the border has been affected.
Federal State & Local Law Enforcement
State and local law enforcement are meeting the challenge with professionalism and determination. Yet border security is a federal responsibility.
Recently I went to the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) for a briefing on what more federal agencies can do to help. I asked agency representatives about their assessment of cartel activity including trafficking in drugs and weapons across the border their procedures to share timely intelligence with each other and their state and local partners and their strategy for defending our border and keeping our communities safe.
What I found out is that there are some good programs in place and interagency taskforces working to address the issue. But Washington must do a lot more to help stem the tide of border violence.
Ports of Entry Bill
One way Washington can help is by passing legislation I introduced last year. The Emergency Port of Entry Personnel and Infrastructure Funding Act of 2009 would add 5000 CBP officers by 2013 give our personnel better equipment and authorize funding for improvements at high-volume ports of entry.
This bill would help address long-standing issues at our ports of entry including El Paso. And make clear that America remains open for business."
Border Grant Bill
Yet we also need immediate action to help state and local law enforcement which is why recently I introduced the Southern Border Security Assistance Act.
The bill will provide resources quickly to state and local law enforcement agencies to purchase equipment upgrade critical information systems and hire additional officers to help with border enforcement.
The bill also requires additional federal judges to hear cases and expedite sentencing of cartel and gang members in the border region."
Conclusion
I look forward to hearing from the witnesses today. I also am glad we are giving the American public an opportunity to hear about the problems on the border and what Washington intends to do to fix them. Thank you Madam Chair"
