Merida Initiative Bilateral Implementation Office Opens
Mexico City, September 1, 2010 – As announced by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Relations Patricia Espinosa in March, 2009, the Merida Initiative Bilateral Implementation Office (BIO) opened yesterday in Mexico City. (complete text)

Keynote address by U.S. Ambassador Carlos Pascual Border Security Conference “Re-Envisioning The Border Community To Foster A U.S.-Mexico Partnership For Prosperity, Progress And Socio-Economic Development”
Good morning ladies and gentlemen.  It's always a pleasure to be with a distinguished group of scholars, politicians, students, and business and community leaders.  It’s a special pleasure to be with you because all of you care deeply and passionately about the United States and Mexico, the relationship between our countries and our peoples; and, specifically in this conference, about the communities that make up the “Borderland” that both our countries share.  (complete text)

U.S. Leaders Sentenced For Conspiracy That Supplied Weapons to Sinaloa Cartel
Mexico City, August 10, 2010 – The last defendant and leader of a firearms trafficking conspiracy that supplied over 100 assault rifles and other weapons to the Sinaloa drug cartel was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson in Tucson federal court. (complete text)

U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez Mexico to Reopen
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, August 2, 2010 - Having completed evaluation of the security situation, the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez will reopen to the public on Tuesday, August 3rd (complete text)

Temporary Closure of U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez,Mexico
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, July 29, 2010 –The U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez has closed to review its security posture. The facility will be closed all day on Friday, July 30, and remain closed until the security review is completed. (complete text)

Forty-three defendants with ties to a drug cartel in Mexico charged with Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) conspiracy
Individuals Allegedly Responsible for State and Federal Crimes, including Murder,Kidnaping, Firearms and Drug-trafficking Violations (texto completo)

DOJ spokesperson Hannah August.
“We believe the court ruled correctly when it prevented key provisions of SB1070 from taking effect. While we understand the frustration of Arizonans with the broken immigration system, a patchwork of state and local policies would seriously disrupt federal immigration enforcement and would ultimately be counterproductive." (complete text)

Statement by Deputty Press Secretary Matt Chandler
“The court’s decision to enjoin most of SB1070 correctly affirms the federal government’s responsibilities in enforcing our nation's immigration laws. Over the past eighteen months, this Administration has dedicated unprecedented resources to secure the border, and we will continue to work to take decisive action to disrupt criminal organizations and the networks they exploit..." (complete text)

Attorney General Holder at the African Union Summit
Kampala, Uganda, July 25, 2010 – “…we will strengthen current efforts to promote good governance and to combat and prevent the costs and consequences of public corruption. Today, when the World Bank estimates that more than one trillion dollars in bribes are paid each year out of a world economy of 30 trillion dollars, this problem cannot be ignored. And this practice must never be condoned. As many here have learned – often in painful and devastating ways – corruption imperils development, stability, competition, and economic investment. It also undermines the promise of democracy.” (Full text)

Treasury Targets Ismael Zambada Garcia Financial Network: Designates Two Front Companies Tied to Mexican Drug Lord
Mexico City, July 22, 2010 – The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated two Mexican entities, Arte y Diseno de Culiacan S.A. de C.V. and Autotransportes JYM S.A. de C.V., for being owned and operated by Maria Teresa and Midiam Patricia Zambada Niebla, front persons and daughters of notorious Mexican drug lord Ismael Zambada Garcia. (Complete text)

United States Supports Reconstruction in Mexico Following Hurricane Alex
Mexico City, July 20, 2010 – U.S. Ambassador Carlos Pascual today announced the release of $450,000 in assistance for the flood victims in Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas affected by Hurricane Alex. These supplies consist of family hygiene kits, kitchen supplies, and cleaning tools and supplies to help families get back into their homes as quickly as possible. (Complete text)

Uganda Bombings - Statement by Mike Hammer, NSC Spokesman, July 11:

“The president is deeply saddened by the loss of life resulting from these deplorable and cowardly attacks, and sends his condolences to the people of Uganda and the loved ones of those who have been killed or injured. The United States is ready to provide any assistance requested by the Ugandan government.”

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON - Bombings in Uganda

"I join President Obama in strongly condemning today's attacks in Kampala.." (Complete text)

U.S. Embassy Announces Scholarships for 68 Young Mexican Students, Teachers and Technical Advisors in Education
Mexico City, July 8, 2010 – During a ceremony presided over by Ambassador Pascual and Secretary of Education Alonso Lujambio, 68 students, teachers, and technical advisors from rural/indigenous communities from the states of Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Mexico City, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, State of Mexico, Veracruz, and Yucatan were awarded scholarships to study in the United States. (Complete text)

Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Carlos Pascual At the Commemoration of the 234th Anniversary Of the Independence of the United States of America
"Today we celebrate – Mexico and the United States – as brothers.  In my country we commemorate a revolution that made the United States independent.  With that independence we gained the right to determine our future as a nation, and as a people.  On this birthday of 234 years, we give thanks for the gift of freedom." (Full text)
Watch the video (in spanish)

U.S. Donates Water Pumps to Assist in Cleanup Efforts in Matamoros
Matamoros, July 2, 2010 - In response to the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Alex in the city of Matamoros, the United States government has donated a 23,000 gallon-per-hour water pump for use in the cleanup efforts in the neighborhoods most affected by the flooding.  (Full text)

 

President Obama to Deliver Immigration Policy Address at New School of International Service
President Barack Obama will deliver an address on comprehensive immigration reform at American University, Thursday, July 1 at 10:45 a.m. The event, which is by White House invitation only, will take place in the atrium of the new School of International Service building. to watch live stream you can click here or you can go to: whitehouse.gov/live.

Readout of Administration Officials’ Meeting with Governor Brewer and Fact Sheet
PHOENIX - A federal delegation led by John Brennan, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, met with Governor Jan Brewer and her staff in Phoenix this afternoon to detail how additional resources and additional National Guard troops will be deployed in Arizona to complement the unprecedented resources and efforts already devoted by this Administration to securing the Southwest Border. (Full text)

Mexico Four People Drown Crossing the Border Illegally
We are aware of several media reports indicating the drowning of 4 persons who attempted to illegally enter into the United States near Hidalgo, Mexico. We regret any loss of life on the border.  However, we categorically reject the incorrect assertions we have seen in the press that U.S. Border Patrol agents “forced” the intending migrants to swim back to Mexico, thereby causing the loss of life by drowning.  (Full text)

Financial Inclusion: Freedom to Grow
In her speech in Quito on June 8, United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton noted that the
United States is working together with our partners on "secured transaction reform." The concept is to modify laws to allow businesses to use non-real estate assets as collateral on loans.  Why is secured transaction reform important enough for Secretary Clinton to mention it in a speech? (complete text)

JOINT MEDIA NOTE FROM THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE UNITED STATES OF MEXICO

Announcing Our Mutual Intention to Negotiate an Agreement Governing the Disposition and Regulation of Hydrocarbon Reservoirs That Cross Our International Maritime Boundary

Following on the Joint Statement adopted by Presidents Obama and Calderon at the conclusion of President Calderon’s State Visit to Washington on May 19, 2010, today, the Governments of the United States and Mexico jointly announce their intention to negotiate an agreement governing the disposition and regulation of hydrocarbon reservoirs that cross our international maritime boundary.  (Full text)

Secretary Clinton’s Letter on Trafficking in Persons Report 2010
Washington, D.C., June 14, 2010 – “This year’s report highlights several key trends, including the suffering of women and children in involuntary domestic servitude, the challenges and successes in identifying and protecting victims, and the need to include anti-trafficking policies in our response to natural disasters, as was evident in the aftermath of this year’s earthquake in Haiti.” (Full text)

- Introduction to the Trafficking in Persons Report 2010
- Section on Mexico

Remarks by Secretary Clinton:

- Secretary Clinton’s Policy Address on Opportunity in the Americas

- Remarks With Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa Delgado

- Address to the Organization of American States General Assembly

49th U.S.-Mexico Inter-Parliamentary Meeting - U.S. Delegation Statement
Campeche, Mexico, June 11, 2010 – “The U.S. delegation to the 49th U.S.-Mexico Inter-Parliamentary Group expresses its profound condolences for the tragic deaths of Anastasio Hernandez Rojas and Sergio Adrian Hernandez in the recent incidents along our shared border. Investigations are currently ongoing into these matters, and we must not pre-judge their outcome. These incidents, like many before along our border, underscore the need for the U.S. and Mexico to continue to cooperate, to see that the full story comes to light, justice is served, and that safeguards are put in place to help avoid such tragedies in the future.”

Statement From NSC Spokesman Mike Hammer:
We deeply regret the death of Sergio Adrián Hernández in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's El Paso Sector on June 8. The U.S. Government takes such incidents very seriously, and Federal authorities have begun a thorough investigation of the circumstances that led to his death. The men and women who secure our border work in a difficult and frequently dangerous environment. We ask a great deal of them. We honor their service. We also hold them to high standards of conduct. The President has been briefed on the situation.

"Project Deliverance" Results in More Than 2,200 Arrests During 22-month Operation, Seizures of Approximately 74 Tons of Drugs and $154 Million in U.s. Currency
WASHINGTON –Attorney General Eric Holder today announced the arrest of more than 2,200 individuals on narcotics-related charges in the United States and the seizure of more than 74.1 tons of illegal drugs as part of a 22-month multi-agency law enforcement investigation known as “Project Deliverance.”  The Attorney General was joined in announcing the current results of Project Deliverance by Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Assistant Director Kevin L. Perkins of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Assistant Secretary John Morton of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (complete text)

Treasury Targets International Narcotics Trafficking Network Linked To La Familia Michoacana
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated two individuals and two entities linked to the international drug trafficking organization La Familia Michoacana as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers (SDNTs).  (complete text)

Assistant Secretary John Morton to be Keynote Speaker at Joint Conference on Bulk Cash Smuggling
Mexico City, June 3, 2010 –Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) John Morton presented to a joint U.S.-Mexico working group the results of a study on the proceeds of organized criminal activity and money laundering at a conference held in Mexico City on June 2 and 3. (complete text)

The U.S.-Mexico Strategic Partnership
English version of Op-Ed by Amb. Pascual published by daily "El Universal" on May 30, 2010: "Solving these issues needs a modern border infrastructure with the real capacity for expediting the flow of legitimate goods and friends and neighbors as well as stopping illicit trade of all kinds. And solving the issues requires an orderly, fair, humane immigration framework...." (complete text)

- State visit to Washington, D.C., by President Calderon

- Remarks by President Obama and President Calderón of Mexico in an Exchange of Dinner Toasts

- Remarks by Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Zavala at "Let's Move" event

- Remarks by Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Zavala at "Let's Move" event

- Remarks by President Obama and President Calderón of Mexico at Joint Press Availability

- Remarks by President Obama at Official Arrival Ceremony

Increase of Non-Immigrant Visa Application Fees Effective June 4, 2010
The U.S. Department of State has announced a world-wide increase in the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, also called the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee, and Border Crossing Card (BCC) fee, effective June 4, 2010. (complete text)

Remarks by the President at Cinco de Mayo Reception May 5, 2010 – “Make no mistake, our immigration system is broken. And after so many years in which Washington has failed to meet its responsibilities, Americans are right to be frustrated, including folks along border states. But the answer isn't to undermine fundamental principles that define us as a nation. We can't start singling out people because of who they look like, or how they talk, or how they dress. We can't turn law-abiding American citizens -- and law-abiding immigrants -- into subjects of suspicion and abuse... That's not the answer. That's not who we are as the United States of America. (complete text) Related statements

Southwest Border Partners: U.S. - Mexico Cooperation on Security, Law Enforcement, and Commerce May 4, 2010, conversation between Janet Napolitano, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, and Fernando Gomez-Mont, Mexican Interior Secretary, at the Brookings Institution

President Obama Releases National Strategy to Reduce Drug Use and Its Consequences
Washington, D.C., May 12, 2010 – “The 2010 Strategy highlights a collaborative and balanced approach that emphasizes community-based prevention, integration of evidence-based treatment into the mainstream health care system, innovations in the criminal justice system to break the cycle of drug use and crime, and international partnerships to disrupt transnational drug trafficking organizations." (complete text)

Executive Summary

2010 National Drug Control Strategy website

Statement by the President on Senate Proposal Outlined Today to Fix Our Nation’s Broken Immigration System
April 29, 2010 – “It is the federal government's responsibility to enforce the law and secure our borders, as well as to set clear rules and priorities for future immigration. The continued failure of the federal government to fix the broken immigration system will leave the door open to a patchwork of actions at the state and local level that are inconsistent and as we have seen recently, often misguided. (complete text)

Treasury designates Guatemalan drug lords allied with the Sinaloa cartel as sepcially designated narcotics trafficers
Washington, D.C., April 27, 2010 – Due to his significant role in international narcotics trafficking and his ties to the Sinaloa Cartel the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated Waldemar Lorenzana Lima, one of Guatemala’s most wanted drug traffickers, as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker (SDNT) pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act). (complete text)

Transcript of interview by Andrea Mitchell with Secretary Of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano
April 27, 2010 – “…But let me say what I said when the bill was signed; that I thought it was unfortunate and misguided; that I think it will not be value-added to law enforcement, indeed, it will detract from some of the efforts that are already under way to really focus on the most serious offenders, the most serious criminals, the ones that not only have crossed the border illegally but are committing other crimes.” (full text)

Excerpt of statement by Attorney General Eric Holder at April 27, 2010, press conference
“I think that that law is an unfortunate one. I think that it is, I fear, subject to potential abuse… The Justice Department, along with… DHS, is looking at the law to decide exactly how we are going to react to it. We are considering all possibilities, including the possibility of a court challenge.” (additional excerpts)

Excerpts of deposition by Secretary Of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano at the Senate hearing of April 27, 2010
“…I think your observation bears repeating, and that is by helping Mexico, we help ourselves, and that particularly our assistance through Merida and other means in this issue on the cartels helps us. These cartels impact us, and that's why we view them as a -- as a homeland-security issue.” (additional excerpts)

Remarks by the President at Naturalization Ceremony for Active-Duty Service Members
April 23, 2010 – Over the years, many have attempted to confront the challenges of illegal immigration in the United States. It has become a politically divisive issue. But we should agree that when 11 million people in the United States are living there illegally, outside the system, it is an unacceptable situation. The American people demand and deserve a solution. That solution is common-sense, comprehensive immigration reform grounded in the principles of responsibility and accountability. (complete text)

President Obama’s Remarks at Summit on Entrepreneurship
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Everybody, please have a seat.  Good evening, everyone, and welcome to Washington.
In my life, and as President, I have had the great pleasure of visiting many of your countries, and I’ve always been grateful for the warmth and the hospitality that you and your fellow citizens have shown me.  And tonight, I appreciate the opportunity to return the hospitality. (complete text)

Help us celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day!
Forty years ago, Earth Day began in the United States as a “teach-in” – a day to educate people about the environmental challenges facing our planet. Today, we know more than ever about the challenges of preserving our environment – from clean water to climate change – and Earth Day has evolved into a call for sustainable solutions and local action all over the world. (complete text)

Ambassador's Speech: - AmCham Annual Meeting, April 20, 2010
It is a pleasure to speak before the Monterrey Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico.  For over 93 years, the AmCham has worked successfully to promote and trade and investment between our two nations.  You were a key supporter of the NAFTA accords.  You have had a tremendous impact on Mexico's economy and in the lives of workers:  AMCHAM companies account for nearly 70% of foreign direct investment in Mexico.  Approximately 30% of Mexico's workforce is employed directly or indirectly by AMCHAM member companies. (complete text)

Remarks by the First Lady at Youth Forum -- Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico
MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)    Good afternoon, and thank you so much.  Thank you, Jaime, for that very kind and profound introduction.  It is such a pleasure and an honor to be in this beautiful country, at this great university, with so many outstanding young people from all across Mexico.(complete text)

Trilateral Announcement Between Mexico, the United States, and Canada on Nuclear Security
At the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., Mexico, the United States, and Canada reached agreement to work together, along with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to convert the fuel in Mexico’s research reactor. President Calderon expressed "the strong commitment of Mexico to prevent and suppress nuclear terrorism (complete text)

Mexico and the United States Review a Broad Transportation Relationship
Secretary of Communications and Transportation Juan Molinar Horcasitas and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood met Monday, April 12 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to discuss the broad range of transportation issues of fundamental economic interest to both countries. (complete text)

U.S. Consulate General Nuevo Laredo - Warden Message
At approximately 11 pm the night of April 9, an explosive device was thrown over the fence of the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo.  There were no injuries, but windows were damaged.  Authorities are investigating the explosion. The Consulate General and the Consular Agency in Piedras Negras will be closed to the public on Monday, April 12. The Consulate General and Consular Agency will reopen when we are confident that we have adequate security to keep our visitors safe. (complete text)

Treasury Targets Perpetrators of Mexican Drug Trafficking Violence Tied to Los Zetas and the Gulf Cartel
Mexico City, March 24, 2010 – On the heels of Tuesday's U.S.-Mexico Merida High Level Consultative Group meeting in Mexico City, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated 54 Mexican principal lieutenants and enforcers for Mexico's Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas – groups that are responsible for much of the current bloodshed in Mexico –as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act). (complete text)

Statement by the President Praising the Bipartisan Immigration Reform Framework
In June, I met with members of both parties, and assigned Secretary Napolitano to work with them and key constituencies around the coun try to craft a comprehensive approach that will finally fix our broken immigration system. I am pleased to see that Senators Schumer and Graham have produced a promising, bipartisan framework which can and should be the basis for moving forward. (complete text)

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of President Calderon of Mexico to the White House
The United States and Mexico are linked by geography, history, familial, cultural, economic, and security ties. In recognition of these deep ties and the strong relationship President Obama has forged with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, President Obama and the First Lady will host President Calderon and Mrs. Margarita Zavala de Calderon in the White House for a State Dinner on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. (complete text)

Secretary Clinton Leads Cabinet-Level Delegation to Mexico
The United States and Mexico are linked by geography, history, familial, cultural, economic, and security ties. In recognition of these deep ties and the strong relationship President Obama has forged with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, President Obama and the First Lady will host President Calderon and Mrs. Margarita Zavala de Calderon in the White House for a State Dinner on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. (complete text)

Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Carlos Pascual during his visit to the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez
Mexico City, March 16, 2010 – I regret that it is a sad and tragic occasion that has brought us to Ciudad Juarez today. The murders last weekend of three close friends and colleagues in the U.S. Mission community are more than tragic. They are shocking. All members of the U.S. Mission in Mexico and I are keeping all of our colleagues and friends at the Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez in our thoughts and prayers. And we are doing everything possible to support them in this time of need. (complete text)

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