Thread: N.M.: House passes bill to improve border security

House passes bill to improve border security
Posted: 01/27/2010 03:24:07 PM MST


SANTA FE - The House unanimously passed legislation Wednesday sponsored by Rep. Nate Cote, D-Las Cruces, that would better coordinate state, local and federal resources on the border with Mexico.

House Joint Memorial 9 requests that five state agencies - the Department of Public Safety, Department of Transportation, Homeland Security, Emergency Management Department and Border Authority - each designate a border security liaison to work with border counties and the federal government to form a border security rapid response team.

"We must address the overwhelming criminal activity occurring across our border and take measures to prevent it from spilling over into New Mexico," Cote said. "We need to keep our citizens who live or travel along the border safe from criminal drug and cartel activity. The fact that this legislation was met with no opposition reflects the importance of the initiative."

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish worked with Cote in creation of the bill. A state of emergency was recently declared for the counties that border Mexico due to the lack of security at New Mexico's international border. New Mexico shares a 180 mile border with Mexico. Since 2006, the violence occurring along the United States and Mexican border has claimed more than 15,000 lives.


http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_14279400

Do I hear the thundering hooves of La Raza and ACLU riding to Santa Fe?