May 23, 2005
This story can be found at: http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBWFSLE39E.html
Mexico Slams Proposal to Send U.S. Troops to Guard Border
The Associated Press


MEXICO CITY (AP) - A Mexican official said Monday his government "absolutely and emphatically" rejects militarizing the border, in response to a report by a U.S. congressional caucus claiming that 36,000 National Guard troops posted on the border could stop undocumented migration.

Responding to a 33-page report, written by investigators for the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus and cited by the Washington Times, Assistant Interior Secretary Geronimo Gutierrez said it "didn't seem to be a very intelligent way" to handle the problem.

"We absolutely and emphatically reject this suggestion," Gutierrez said, "because they way to handle border security concerns today in the 21st century is through cooperation, confidence and technology."

Gutierrez said it was not the first time that such proposals had surfaced in the past, but noted that "the more moderate sensible and rational voices have prevailed."

AP-ES-05-23-05 2042EDT