MEETING OF THE MEXICO-UNITED STATES EXECUTIVE STEERING COMMITTEE ON TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY BORDER MANAGEMENT

The Mexico-United States Executive Steering Committee on Twenty-First Century Border Management met today in Washington, D.C. for its fourth meeting to follow up on implementation of the Declaration on 21st Century Border Management issued by Presidents Calderón and Obama in May 2010. The delegations were led by Undersecretary for North America, Ambassador Julian Ventura, and Special Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Senior Director for Transborder Security Policy, Patricia Cogswell. 

The meeting was attended by senior officials from federal agencies in both countries involved in border issues. Attending for Mexico were representatives from the Ministries of Interior; Public Security; Economy; and Communications and Transportation; the Attorney General's Office; Tax Administration System; the Center for Investigation and National Security; and Mexico's ambassador to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan. 

The Action Plan 2012 agreed to last December was reviewed and the steps to take to ensure full compliance were established. As part of the Action Plan, new lanes have been opened at the Nogales III port of entry, construction continues on the Matamoros-Brownsville railway bridge, the vehicular capacity of the Tijuana-San Diego crossing has been expanded and the Global Entry program has been put in place.

Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint Declaration for the Prevention of Border Violence, adopted in December 2010, and to the protocols adopted in December 2011. The delegations discussed how they will comply with the agreements by working together at the federal and local levels.

The Mexican delegation reiterated its strong disagreement with the decision of the U.S. government not to file charges against the Border Patrol agent responsible for the death of the Mexican teen, Sergio Adrian Hernandez Güereca, and to deny Mexico’s request for the agent’s provisional arrest for extradition in January 2011. 

The Mexican delegation said that the decision denies access to justice and goes against the commitment of both sides to work together and share responsibility in a long-term, comprehensive fashion. The delegation also conveyed Congress’ disagreement with the decision not to try the case.

The Bilateral Executive Committee follows up on both countries’ management of their common border. Its objectives include reducing the costs of doing business, facilitating the safe, efficient flow of goods and people, and ensuring a safe environment in the region. 

The Mexican government reiterates its commitment to continue working with the United States under this program for the benefit of both companies.