Merida Initiative
This multi-year program demonstrates the United States' commitment to work in partnership with governments in Mexico, the nations of Central America, the Dominican Republic and Haiti to confront criminal organizations whose illicit actions undermine public safety, erode the rule of law, and threaten the national security of the United States.
The Merida Initiative will provide equipment and training in support of law enforcement operations and technical assistance to promote the long-term reform, oversight and professionalization of our partners' security agencies. In 2008, Congress approved an initial $400 million for Mexico and $65 million for Central America, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Travel to Mexico
Secretary Clinton (Mar. 25): "Under the Merida Initiative, a program conceived by Mexico and embraced by the United States, we have now committed hundreds of millions of dollars to training and equipping Mexican law enforcement, and strengthening Mexico’s judicial system and democratic institutions." Full Text | More Trip Information
U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Robert J. Callahan signed an agreement today with the Government of Nicaragua implementing the Merida Initiative, a multi-year regional effort to combat organized crime, gangs, and the trafficking of narcotics and firearms. Full Text
Mexican Corrections Instructors Graduate from New Mexico Training Academy
The first class of 24 federal correctional instructors from Mexico graduates from the New Mexico Corrections Department’s (NMCD) Training Academy in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As part of the Merida Initiative, the Department of State’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is assisting the Government of Mexico with establishing the corrections academy which is scheduled to be officially opened in late June 2009. Full Text
INL Assistant Secretary Johnson delivered remarks before the Tucson Committee on Foreign Relations. Full Text
Guns, Drugs and Violence: The Merida Initiative and the Challenge in Mexico
INL Assistant Secretary Johnson and Deputy Assistant Secretary Jacobson testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Letter of Agreement Signed with Panama
U.S. Ambassador to Panama Barbara Stephenson and Panamanian Minister of the Presidency Rafael Mezquita signed the first letter of agreement implementing the Merida Initiative. Full Text
Testimony on the Merida Initiative
INL Assistant Secretary Johnson and WHA Assistant Secretary Shannon testified before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.
The United States and Belize Implement the Merida Initiative
The U.S. Chargé d'Affaires to Belize, J.A. Diffily, signed a letter of agreement on February 9, 2009 with the Government of Belize implementing the Merida Initiative. Full Text
The United States and Guatemala Implement the Merida Initiative
U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala Stephen McFarland signed a letter of agreement with the Government of Guatemala implementing the Merida Initiative. Full Text
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