Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg and Deputy Attorney General David Ogden Hold a News Briefing On the U.S.-Mexico Border

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Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg and Deputy Attorney General David Ogden Hold a News Briefing On the U.S.-Mexico Border

WHITE HOUSE NEWS BRIEFING ON THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER

MARCH 24, 2009

SPEAKERS: SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY JANET NAPOLITANO

DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL DAVID OGDEN

DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE JAMES B. STEINBERG

WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS

[*] GIBBS: Good morning, guys.

I want to discuss an issue that's very important to the president this morning, the steps we're taking on both sides of the border working with our Mexican partners to support the Mexican government's campaign against the violate cartels and to reduce contraband in both directions across the border.

Under the Merida Initiative, we're investing $700 million this year to work in collaboration with Mexico on law enforcement and judicial capacity. DHS, DOJ, and Treasury are all ramping up personnel efforts directed at the southwest border. We're renewing our commitment to reduce the demand for illegal drugs here at home.

The president admires President Calderon's courage and determination to confront and dismantle the drug cartels, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with him in that fight.

Mexico, undoubtedly, faces serious challenges, but it is vigorously confronting them. Mexico's drug-related violence is carried out among the warring cartels and against government forces.

The U.S.-Mexico relationship is getting sustained, high-level, and comprehensive attention. President-elect Obama met with President Calderon in January. Chairman Mullen visited Mexico on March 5th an...

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