Violence has escalated recently in the border region on the Mexican side, reportedly linked to a power struggle between rival drug cartels. Richardson urged a strong response to protect the hundreds of the people of Palomas, which include many children who are U.S. citizens and attend school in Columbus and Deming.
The Mexican government is sending more than 2,000 Army soldiers, 180 vehicles, three aircraft, 425 federal police agents and 30 prosecutors to the border region as part of the Chihuahua Joint Operation. About 100 Mexican soldiers will be specifically be deployed to the border town of Palomas, Mexico, which borders the New Mexico town of Columbus.
In addition to the troop deployment, Mexican officials are also creating a joint intelligence center in Ciudad Juarez to coordinate the efforts to attack the violence.
"We have long been working together with local, state and federal officials in Mexico to combat criminal activity in the border area," Richardson said. "This response by Mexican authorities is just the latest move in this joint effort."
Richardson said he is pleased that President Felipe Calderon sent his National Security Cabinet, which includes the Attorney General, Secretary of Government and Secretary of Defense, to Ciudad Juarez today to discuss the border violence and announce the troop deployment.
