Mexico wants probe of tear-gas use by Border Patrol
By Anna Cearley
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
4:57 p.m. December 14, 2007

Mexican authorities are asking for a U.S. investigation into what appears to be a series of cases in which pepper spray or tear gas used by Border Patrol agents to fend off rock-throwing smugglers has affected Tijuana residents who live near the border fence.

Alberto Lozano, spokesman for the Mexican Consulate in San Diego, said Mexican officials have confirmed a Nov. 26 incident in which 11 Tijuana residents received medical attention after being hit by tear gas. The media in Tijuana have reported other cases, but those haven't been confirmed, he said.

The area in question is Colonia Libertad, a Tijuana neighborhood just east of the San Ysidro port of entry. Smugglers have long favored the location as a springboard.
Wendi Lee, a spokeswoman for the Border Patrol's San Diego sector, said the agency is aware of the Mexicans' concerns and has been in discussions with them to “find a better solution to combat the crime in our border areas.â€