Documents Bolster Both Bilateral Border And Aviation Security

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano joined with Mexican Interior Secretary Fernando Francisco Gómez-Mont Tuesday to sign two arrangements to bolster aviation and border security between the United States and Mexico. The signing came at the Mérida U.S.—Mexico High Level Consultative Group meeting—further expanding ongoing cooperative efforts to crack down on violent drug cartels and combat terrorism while facilitating the secure and efficient flow of legitimate travel and trade.

"Our close relationship with the Mexican government continues to grow stronger as we work together to find new ways to crack down on violent drug cartels and combat terrorism," said Secretary Napolitano. "The arrangements signed today further increase the capabilities of the United States and Mexico to protect both sides of the border from transnational criminals and terrorists that threaten the safety of both of our nations."

The first arrangement formally establishes the Joint Security Program for Travelers (JSP), which enhances information sharing and best practices between the United States and Mexico regarding the identification of potential terrorists or other dangerous criminals traveling by air through Mexico City International Airport and builds a foundation for future JSP expansion to additional Mexican airports—bolstering both nations' abilities to thwart acts of terrorism and protect against travel document fraud.

The second arrangement, signed with both Secretary Gómez-Mont and Secretary of Public Safety Genaro García Luna, will enable DHS to electronically share some criminal history information with Mexican law enforcement about Mexican nationals who are being repatriated from the United States and who have been convicted of certain felonies in the United States—providing the seamless transmission of vital security information in order to ensure the safety and security of citizens of both countries.

In addition, Secretary Napolitano (pictured) traveled to Mexico City in February at Secretary Gómez-Mont's invitation to meet with officials from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama and the International Civil Aviation Organization to discuss ways to bolster global aviation security measures and standards. The meeting resulted in a joint declaration on a way forward to strengthen the international civil aviation system through enhanced information collection and sharing, cooperation on technological development, and modernized aviation security standards.

FMI: www.dhs.gov