Drug kingpins few of whom have been extradited to the United States operate with virtual impunity in Matamoros, Ciudad Juarez, Mexicali, Tijuana, Nuevo Laredo, and Baja California Norte. Our own law enforcement agents are in constant mortal danger from these traffickers. Despite years of U.S. pleas, Mexico refuses to authorize our law enforcement agents to legally carry arms to defend themselves. The Mexican government s position on this mater defies logic. It is apparent from the facts that the Administration is going to have to do more than just talk about Mexico s cooperation.
Talk is cheap.
The cost to our young people from the increased manufacture and distribution of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, the emergence of Mexican criminal groups at the head world drug trafficking, and the intelligence gaps that plague our anti-drug efforts, is simply too high to pay. Much more must be done to improve our relationship with Mexico in our drug war. Much more must be done before we certify Mexico.