Gov. Perry Discusses Border Security with Mexico Attorney General

Gov. Perry Discusses Border Security with Mexico Attorney General

Gov. Rick Perry met today with Mexico Attorney General Daniel Cabeza de Vaca and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott to discuss Texas-Mexico border security.

"A strong and secure border is not only the first line of defense against drug trafficking and the violence it brings to local communities, but essential to keeping out terrorist enemies whose goal is to do harm to this entire nation," Perry said. "The fact is, there can be no homeland security without border security."

"Today Texas stands ready to help in any way we can to put an end to the recent rash of kidnappings and stop the drug-related violence that has claimed hundreds of lives and brought fear to families in both our nations," Perry said. "I was very pleased to hear Attorney General Cabeza de Vaca express his strong commitment to restoring peace to the Nuevo Laredo region and ending the drug-related violence that has taken a heavy toll on both sides of the Rio Grande."

Perry said Attorney General Cabeza de Vaca updated Texas officials on the progress of Operation Secure Mexico, which has increased the presence of law enforcement in Nuevo Laredo and other communities struggling with narco-violence. On the Texas side of the border, Perry's office is providing $5 million to improve law enforcement communication and coordination in Texas border communities, including $1.2 million for the Laredo area.

"The Border Radio Communications Project funds provided by my office, as well as the increased presence of state troopers we have provided in the region, represent just a part of Texas' overall commitment to protecting border citizens from harm," Perry said.

Daniel Cabeza de Vaca was appointed Mexico's Attorney General in April 2005. Beginning in November 2004, he served as General Counsel to the Executive branch of the Mexican government and legal adviser to President Fox. From 2003 until 2004, he served as Undersecretary for Legal Affairs at the federal Secretariat of Government. Cabeza de Vaca is a former law professor who specialized in property and notarial law. He was born May 25, 1959.

http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/pressreleases/PressRelease.2005-07-01.5758