Posted on 02/21/2006 2:59:57 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
HARLINGEN -- Gov. Rick Perry and Mexican Gov. Eugenio Hernandez Flores were scheduled to discuss border security and drug violence at a joint appearance today.
Hernandez Flores is governor of the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas, which includes the violence-plagued city of Nuevo Laredo.
Perry has said U.S. border security is a federal responsibility but that the state cannot wait for Washington to direct more equipment and manpower toward the border.
Border violence, particularly in Nuevo Laredo, has been blamed on cartels warring over a smuggling hub where Mexican and U.S. highways converge.
In 2005, more than 170 people were killed in what city officials believe were drug-related slayings. Victims included a city councilman, a police chief who was just hours into his term, and at least 20 police officers. Earlier this month, a newspaper office was sprayed with gunfire.
On the Texas side of the Rio Grande, incidents included an armed standoff between state authorities and apparent drug smugglers wearing Mexican military-style uniforms in Hudspeth County, and the discovery of a crime organization's gun stockpile in Laredo.
On Feb. 9, Perry launched the state-directed "Operation Rio Grande," which involves shifting Texas Department of Public Safety officers and state equipment to the border. The program also made available DPS rapid response and SWAT teams as well as law enforcement aircraft, canine search teams, game wardens, and DPS narcotics, theft, and criminal intelligence investigators.
In 2005, Perry pledged about $10 million to help sheriffs in border counties as part of "Operation Linebacker," a program aimed at hiring additional deputies and funding overtime and other expenses.
He also has said he is working with several northern Mexican border governors to create a binational disaster response plan.
Mexican efforts against the violence have included the June launch of "Operation Safe Mexico," which involved sending the military to Nuevo Laredo and overhauling the city's police department.
Hope it works better than "Operation Safe Mexico" has.
More talk and no action.
But he won't. Only the powerless care. The powerful benefit.
I've got a better idea. Ft Hood has the 2nd Armored Division. Let's stick THEM on the border with no ROE restrictions.
Plural? Why more than one? One riot, one Ranger.
/johnny
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Make Employers Check Work Eligibility
You can now pressure your local employers to check the eligibility of prospective employees.
Social Security numbers can now be verified by using the following toll free number: 1-800-772-6270. Up to 5 names can be verified over the phone and up to 50 by faxing a inquiry to your local Social Security office. It is all explained in a publication put out by Social Security- " Employer Reporting Instructions & Information. "
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