Click here to skip navigation
<>
Embassy Seal US Department of State
 flag graphic

Click to go to our search page

Embassy News & Information
Latest Embassy News
>Press Releases 09
>Press Releases 08
Press Releases 07
Press Releases 06
Press Releases'05
Press Releases '04-'03
About the Embassy
Public Affairs Office
Job Opportunities
Sponsored Events
Presidential Meetings

Latest Embassy News

Press Releases in English - 2008

Mexico Extradites Ten More Criminals to U.S., Bringing Total for 2008 to 95
Mexico City, December 31, 2008 - “President Calderon has again demonstrated his relentless, focused commitment to confronting organized criminal networks and their vicious leaders.  Today Mexico extradited ten notorious criminals to face justice in the United States.  These are individuals whose entire existence has been dedicated to illegal activities, and who will shortly face the consequences of their actions.  With this decision President Calderon and his national security team underscore again Mexico's determination to bring cartels operating in its territory to their knees."
(complete text)

Mexico and U.S. Wrap up Record Year of Extraditions
Mexico City, December 30, 2008 - “The already impressive cooperation between the United States and Mexico in the area of extraditions continued to grow stronger throughout 2008. This year, our governments set records in both the number of extraditions from the United States to Mexico and the number of extraditions from Mexico to the United States.
(complete text)

U.S. and Mexico Reaffirm Commitment to Merida Initiative
Secretary Rice (Dec. 19): "In Merida, the United States and Mexico have reaffirmed a commitment to enhanced partnership, cooperation, training, assistance, information sharing, built on the premise that we have a shared responsibility to confront these criminals and protect our citizens, and that success requires increased cooperation." (Full Text)

Merida Initiative Cooperation Gathers Momentum
Mexico City, December 17, 2008 - “Today we marked another step in cooperation under the Merida Initiative. Together with Immigration Service Commissioner Patricia Romero, we inaugurated a Forensic Document Laboratory that will allow officials at the National Institute of Immigration to quickly and reliably determine when immigrants or travelers in Mexico are using falsified or forged documents. (complete text)

FBI Director Meets with Mexican Law Enforcement Authorities
Mexico City, December 11, 2008 - “The unprecedented level of cooperation between Mexico and United States law enforcement agencies was reinforced today by meetings between the Director of our Federal Bureau of Investigation, Robert S. Mueller, Mexican Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora, Secretary of Public Security Genaro Garcia Luna, Secretary of Governance Fernando Gomez Mont, and CISEN Director Guillermo Valdes. (complete text)

Embassy Launches Second Virtual Presence Post in Mexico
Mexico City, December 10, 2008 – “Today in San Cristobal de las Casas, on behalf of the United States Embassy, Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett launched a new Virtual Presence Post (VPP) to promote interaction between the people of Chiapas and Tabasco and those of the United States.” (complete text)

California to Open Additional Border Crossing in 2014
Mexico City, December 8, 2008 - “Today I am pleased to announce that the State Department has authorized Otay Mesa East to be a third crossing on the U.S.-Mexico border between San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Baja California. This crossing will facilitate safe and secure trade and travel between the United States and Mexico and reduce delays at the border.” (complete text)

Merida Initiative Monies Released; Letter of Agreement Signed
Mexico City, December 3, 2008 - “Today, together with my colleague from the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Relations, Under Secretary for North American Affairs, Ambassador Carlos Rico Ferrat, it was my privilege to sign the Letter of Agreement between Mexico and the United States that will allow for implementation of the Merida Initiative.” (complete text)

Calderon Administration Committed to Challenging Corruption
Mexico City, November 21, 2008 - “Today’s actions by Attorney General Medina Mora demonstrate how seriously the Government of Mexico is taking the challenge of rooting out narcotics-related corruption.” (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Inaugurates New Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez, World’s Largest Immigrant Visa Processing Center
Mexico City, November 14, 2008 - “Today I inaugurated the long-awaited new Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez on the site where we first broke ground in March of 2006. I would like to recognize Consul General Ray McGrath and everyone who worked so diligently to complete this project. Building a state-of-the-art facility in Ciudad Juarez was long overdue recognition of the importance of the work accomplished there, as well as the volume of people served by the consulate.” (complete text)

United States Crash Investigators Return Home
Mexico City, November 12, 2008 - “I have been in regular contact with the leader of the National Transportation and Safety Board team and spoke with him today. He will leave Mexico tomorrow to return to the United States. He confirmed to me that, as of today, nothing in the flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder, or the other evidence recovered at the scene of the tragic crash indicates sabotage or criminal activity caused the crash. The preliminary phase of the investigation has concluded, but NTSB will continue to assist the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation’s General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) in examining evidence and running simulations to try better to understand exactly what happened. (complete text)

United States Commemorates its Veterans
Mexico City, November 11, 2008 – Speaking at the annual Veterans Day ceremony held today at the Mexico City U.S. National Cemetery, Ambassador Garza urged Americans to honor all American veterans for their dedicated and loyal service to their country.” (complete text)

United States Assisting in Investigation of Tragic Crash
Mexico City, November 5, 2008 - “I awoke this morning, reflecting on the tragic crash last night that took the lives of Secretary of Government Juan Camilo Mourino, former SIEDO head Jose Luis Santiago Vasconcelos, our former colleague at SRE Miguel Monterrubio – whom I knew personally – and so many other victims. My heart truly goes out to their families, and I offer my solidarity and sympathy in these trying moments.” (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Inaugurates State-of-the-art Technology to Fight Cancer at the ABC Hospital
Mexico City, October 30, 2008. – “This month the U.S. Embassy has commemorated Breast Cancer Awareness month, encouraging women all over the country to get screened for breast cancer, and supporting women suffering from it. The pink ribbon around our Embassy is one visible reminder to all of us of the importance of this issue.” (complete text)

U.S. Federal Reserve and International Monetary Fund support other nations, including Mexico, to ease international crisis
Mexico City, October 30, 2008 - “Both the Federal Reserve and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have made positive decisions to help countries with solid economies face the current international financial crisis.” (complete text)

Mexican Authorities Nab Eduardo Arellano Felix
Mexico City, October 27, 2008 - “I would like to congratulate the Government of Mexico for its excellent work in apprehending Eduardo Arellano Felix, the last of the original leaders of the Tijuana cartel to evade capture. This is another example of the positive results when U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies share information. Based in part on information provided by the DEA and the U.S. Marshals, Mexican Federal Police were able to locate and capture Eduardo Arellano Felix on Saturday, October 25 in Tijuana.” (complete text)

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Visits Mexico
Mexico City, October 23, 2008 - “It has been my distinct pleasure to accompany Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during her visit to Puerto Vallarta over the past two days. Secretary Rice came to Mexico at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Patricia Espinosa in order to discuss ongoing cooperation and the promotion of prosperity and security in the region.” (complete text)

Shooting Incident in the Vicinity of U.S. Consulate General Monterrey
Mexico City, October 16, 2008 - “I have made the decision to suspend visa services to the public for the rest of the day today while we assess the security situation. The Consulate in Monterrey will be re-scheduling those visa applicants who are affected by this temporary suspension of service. We will continue to work closely with our Mexican counterparts in the law enforcement investigation of these incidents so that those responsible can quickly be brought to justice.” (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Reviews Monterrey Consulate after Incident
Monterrey NL, October 15, 2008 - “I have no higher priority than the protection of the American community, and this holds especially true for the people who work in the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Mexico,” said U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Antonio O. Garza, during a visit to Monterrey. (complete text)

Dedication of Consulate General Matamoros
Matamoros, October 15, 2008- “I came to Matamoros today to formally recognize the designation of the Consulate as a U.S. Consulate General. When I came here last year for the 175th anniversary of the Consulate, I was surprised to learn that it wasn’t already a Consulate General, and I vowed to make it so before leaving office as Ambassador. Today we celebrate the recognition of the important work being accomplished by Consul General Cecilia Elizondo-Herrera and her team, and the strength of the ties between the United States and Mexico.” (complete text)

State Department Issues Updated Travel Alert
Mexico City, October 14, 2008 - “It is crucial that the millions of U.S. citizens who travel to Mexico every year for business, pleasure or to visit family and friends have accurate, up-to-date information that allows them to make prudent decisions and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Every six months, the State Department revises its Travel Alerts, and in light of the increase in drug cartel-related violence, the latest Travel Alert for Mexico has been updated with more specific information on concerns in the border area. The recent midnight attack at our Consulate in Monterrey further highlights the relevance of this update.” (complete text)

Transportation Secretaries Meet in Mexico to Discuss Cooperation
Mexico City, October 7, 2008 - “U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters is in Mexico for two days of discussions with Mexican Secretary of Communications and Transportation Luis Tellez. No one whose business runs across our mutual border or who regularly crosses from one side to the other could doubt the importance of improving and easing transportation over our shared frontier.” (complete text)

Art Exhibit “Colors of the Wind” Opens in Houston, Texas
Mexico City, October 2, 2008 - “I had the pleasure of traveling today to Houston, Texas, to join Sylvia Garcia-Escamilla, Founding President of the John Langdon Down Foundation, and Carlos Ignacio Gonzalez Magallon, Consul of Mexico in that city, in inaugurating the exhibit of paintings, engravings and lithographs of the Mexican School of Down Art at the Fulbright Tower.” (complete text)

Treasury Names Mexican Associates and Front Companies Tied to Methamphetamine Trade
Mexico City, October 2, 2008 - “This morning the U.S. Treasury designated six Mexican companies and ten individuals associated with the production and trafficking of methamphetamine in Mexico and the United States. These people and enterprises are now subject to economic sanctions under the 1999 Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act.” (complete text)

Presidents Bush and Calderon Participate in Launch of Pathways to Prosperity Program
Mexico City, September 24, 2008 - “This morning, Presidents Bush, Calderon, and the leaders of 10 other Central and South American countries with which the United States has free trade agreements met on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly and jointly announced the “Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas” initiative. Pathways’ goal is to expand the benefits of free trade to small businesses, farmers and all our citizens by creating regional structures to support and facilitate trade among our countries.” (complete text).

It’s Not Too Late to Participate Check Your Registration Status
Mexico City, September 18, 2008 - “I want to encourage all United States citizens in Mexico, whether dual nationals, residents here, or on an extended visit, to take a few moments to ensure that you are registered to vote in the upcoming general election, and that your state officials know where to send your ballot if you are voting absentee.” (complete text)

Tragic Loss of International Boundary and Water Commissioners
Mexico City, September 17, 2008 - “It was with a profound sense of sadness that I received word this afternoon that the wreckage of a plane carrying International Boundary and Water Commissioner for the U.S. Carlos Marin and Mexican Commissioner Arturo Herrera, had been found without survivors.

So many of us who have known Carlos and Arturo through the years were horrified to hear their plane had gone missing, and had hoped against hope that they would be found safe and sound. I extend my deepest condolences and send heartfelt prayers to their families and friends, and to those of the pilot, Matthew Peter Juneau, and Jake Brisbin, Executive Director of the Rio Grande Council of Governments, who was also on board. ” (complete text)

Cowardly Attack will Unify Mexico
Mexico City, September 17, 2008 - “I want to express my deep concern and sympathy to the families and the victims of the cowardly attacks in Morelia on Monday night. I believe the narco-terrorists have gravely underestimated the courage, valor, and strength of the Mexican people; it is the people and Mexican authorities who will make them pay the price.” (complete text)

Honoring Patriots and Remembering 9/11

Mexico City, September 11, 2008 - “Today the Embassy and Consulates fly the flag at half staff in tribute to the courageous men and women who serve and protect the United States and preserve our freedom, and to remember the men and women from over 90 countries, including Mexico, whose lives were taken seven years ago in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.” (complete text)

2008-2009 U.S. Fulbright-Gracía Robles Grantees Arrive in Mexico
Mexico City, August 27, 2008- “Today 80 students and professors from across the United States began their Fulbright fellowships in Mexico. They will spend this academic year based in cities and towns across Mexico, where some of them will teach English, some will work in Mexican companies, and some will study topics ranging from history, to biology, to art. They will be based in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Jalisco, the Yucatan, and other parts of the country. No matter what their focus or where they are located, all of them will learn much about Mexico and teach Mexicans about the United States as well.” (complete text)

Treasury Designates the Financial Network of Major Sinaloa Cartel Operator Rigoberto Gaxiola Medina as subject to economic sanctions under Kingpin Act
August 5, 2008 - The financial network designated by the U.S. Treasury Department is comprised of 14 companies in the Mexican states of Sonora, Sinaloa and Jalisco, including: 4 mining firms, Minera Río Presidio, S.A. de C.V., Minera La Castellana y Anexas, S.A. de C.V., Copa de Plata, S.A. de C.V. and Compañía Minera del Río Cianury, S.A. De C.V.; a car dealership, Distribuidora Gran Auto, S.A. De C.V.; and a private gym, Bioesport, S.A. De C.V. (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Receives Mexican Legislators
Mexico City, July 24, 2008 - “With respect to Mr. Medellin, I made clear that he has been afforded all judicial due process under U.S. law, and that we should not lose sight of the fact that the real victims in this case are the two teenage girls he brutally raped and murdered.... I closed by assuring the delegation that the United States is committed to meeting its obligations to provide consular access and notification when foreign citizens are arrested.” (complete text)

Garza: U.S. Government Supports Mexican Youth and Teachers
Mexico City, July 23, 2008 - “Today we celebrated with 42 Mexicans that have been awarded TIES Scholarships. Twenty-seven gifted students will be going to community colleges in the U.S. to obtain two-year technical degrees in fields like natural resource and water management, quality control, electronics, agribusiness, and small and medium enterprise. Fifteen teachers will attend Arizona State University for one year of training and capacity building in order to return to Mexico and strengthen rural primary education for indigenous children.” (complete text)

Secretary Chertoff Visits Mexico
Mexico City, July 18, 2008 - Michael Chertoff, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, came to Mexico City on July 17 and 18 to discuss ongoing cooperation on regional security issues with the government of Mexico. He met with the Secretary of Government, the Foreign Minister and the Attorney General, as well as other key leaders within the Mexican Government. (complete text)

Ambassador Garza’s Remarks at the 4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2008 – “In this new era, I am sure that we not only will ask the questions, but that working together, shoulder to shoulder, we’ll find the answers. I have faith that together we can create a more prosperous future. Together we can lead the hemisphere toward greater openness and democracy. Together we can succeed in creating what the next generation hopes from us: a better life.” (complete text)

Congress Approves Merida Initiative
June 27, 2008 - Garza: “The United States recognizes our shared responsibility for the problem of drug trafficking, and our obligation to stand shoulder to shoulder with Mexico in this fight. With the additional resources provided by the Merida Initiative, Mexico and the United States will build on our already successful security cooperation and shared efforts against narcotrafficking. I applaud Congress’s passage of this important program and look forward to working with the government of Mexico to implement it.” (complete text)

Educational Exchanges Are In Our Mutual Interest
June 13, 2008 - Garza: “Education is in the forefront of our mutual interests- a direct and crucial link to the future of both nations through the children and youth who will be our next generations of leaders. Today I was pleased to accompany Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings on visits to an elementary school and to meetings with Mexican government education officials.” (complete text)

We’ll Hit’em Where it Hurts - In the Pocket
June 12, 2008 - Garza: “Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Julie Myers met with Administrator General of Mexican Customs Juan Jose Bravo in Mexico City today to launch a new Trade Transparency Unit (TTU), a cooperative and bilateral operation. This Trade Transparency Unit, which will be operated by Mexican Customs, will help track patterns of cross-border trade that indicate money laundering.” (complete text)

U.S. - Mexican Officials Launch Armas Cruzadas Program
June 9, 2008 - Garza: “Today in Houston, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Julie Myers met with representatives from Mexico’s Office of the Attorney General (PGR), the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP), and Customs to announce Operation Armas Cruzadas. This program will identify and disrupt cross-border arms smuggling rings through improved, real-time information sharing.” (complete text)

Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Jon Savarino Schillaci Arrested by Mexican Authorities
June 6, 2008 - Garza: “His apprehension and his transfer this morning to U.S. custody mean he will now face justice in the United States.... Once again Mexico has demonstrated that it will not be a refuge for criminals fleeing from justice.” (complete text)

President Bush Designates Beltran Leyva and his Organization Under Kingpin Act
May 30, 2008 - Garza: “President Bush has designated four individuals and three entities, including Marcos Arturo Beltran Leyva and the Beltran Leyva Organization, as subject to the sanctions under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act ('Kingpin Act'). This action underscores the determination of the United States to do everything possible to pursue drug traffickers, undermine their operations, and end the suffering that trade in illicit drugs inflicts on Americans and other people around the world.” (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Commemorates Memorial Day
May 26, 2008 - Speaking at the annual Memorial Day ceremony held today at the Mexico City National Cemetery, Ambassador Garza urged Americans to remember those who gave their lives in the service of their country and for universal freedoms all people hold dear. (complete text)

U.S. Embassy Honors Mexican Firm for Contributions to Trade
May 23, 2008 - U.S. Embassy Minister-Counselor for Commercial Affairs Karen L. Zens presented the U.S. Commerce Department’s Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade award to Grupo Industrial SECNER, S.A. de C.V. (complete text)

Merida Initiative Continues to Move Forward
May 22, 2008 - Garza: “Today the U.S. Senate passed a supplemental budget bill that includes funding of the Merida Initiative. This is another step forward for this important program to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Mexico to fight the drug trade and organized crime that impact both our nations. However, it is still not final action.” (complete text)

Designation of Consulates General in Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo and Hermosillo
May 22, 2008 - Garza: “I feel strongly that this change is necessary and long overdue. This designation will allow these Consulates General to better serve American citizens residing in or visiting those areas for pleasure and business, as well as Mexicans requiring assistance with visas or commercial matters.” (complete text)

Important Steps Forward for the Merida Initiative
May 16, 2008 - Garza: “The U.S. has a responsibility to bolster Mexico’s efforts to strike hard at the drug cartels, just as we persevere in our fight against drug traffickers and drug addiction in the United States. I continue to urge the House and Senate to move forward in approving it.” (complete text)

Peace Officers’ Memorial Day
May 15, 2008 - Garza: “Mexico has lost too many heroes in the fight against criminals and drug cartels. Today, we are flying the flag at half mast in their honor, and in honor of their colleagues who uphold law and order in the United States and around the world. These brave men and women inspire us by their sacrifice and commitment to sustain free, peaceful and democratic societies.” (complete text)

Condolences and Outrage at Death of Edgar Millan Gomez
May 8, 2008 - Garza: “Over the past four days in Washington, I have spoken with President Bush, members of Congress, Senators and officials in the executive branch, sharing personally with the leadership of both parties the countless stories of bravery by Mexican officials against organized crime. I urged our elected officials to approve the Merida Initiative, which I believe is a critical element for enhancing our joint fight against these criminals.” (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Expresses his Condolences to the Family of Roberto Velasco Bravo
May 2, 2008 - Garza: “I am saddened by the brutal murder last night of Mr. Roberto Velasco Bravo, Director of Investigations for the Sensitive Investigations Unit of the Federal Police (SSP).... On behalf of the U.S. Mission in Mexico, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Velasco’s family, colleagues, and friends... I sincerely hope the perpetrators of this heinous crime will swiftly be arrested and brought to justice.” (complete text)

State Department Issues Updated Travel Alert
April 14, 2008 - Garza: “Mexico remains an important tourist destination for U.S. citizens, with over twelve million Americans visiting Mexico each year for business, vacation, or to visit family and friends. It is important that these visitors have accurate and current information to make wise decisions in order to avoid potentially dangerous situations. For this reason, the State Department has revised and reissued a Travel Alert for Mexico to provide travelers with up-to-date information.” (complete text)

U.S. Fugitive Cesar Laurean Arrested by Mexican Authorities
April 10, 2008 - Garza: “Strong cooperation between Mexican and U.S. authorities increasingly ensures that those who commit crimes in either country will ultimately face capture and prosecution no matter where they might try to hide.” (complete text)

Visit to Ciudad Juarez
April 4, 2008 - Garza: “We support President Calderon’s initiative and also take this criminal activity seriously. Narco-violence and crime affects the lives of citizens on both sides of our shared border, and we must be resolute in going after these menaces to our society and way of life. Today I met with U.S. government law enforcement agents and others knowledgeable about the situation in Ciudad Juarez.” (complete text)

Groundbreaking Ceremony in Tijuana: Excerpts of Remarks
April 3, 2008 - Garza: “The construction of this new Consulate is a sign of just how important the bilateral relationship is. We are constructing this building for the future, a common future, that we share each day more, something we have done for centuries and will continue doing forever.” (complete text)

Homeland Security and State Departments Announce WHTI Land and Sea Final Rule
March 27, 2008 - The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and of State (DOS) announced today the final rule for the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI); it requires travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the United States. (complete text)

Gustavo Rivera Martinez Arrest Strikes at Arellano Cartel
March 12, 2008 - Garza: “This most recent arrest demonstrates Calderon’s continuing commitment to ensure his country is protected from the criminal elements that seek to undermine security and public safety on both sides of the border. The United States shares this commitment and stands with Calderon and the Mexican people in this critical fight.” (complete text)

Amb. Garza speaks at the launch of the 'Take it to Heart' program at the Carso Institute
March 11, 2008 - Garza: “Early Detection Is the Difference between Watching Your Children Grow up or Having a Life Cut Short. ‘Take It to Heart’ Can Help Make that Difference.” (complete text)

First Lady Laura Bush in Mexico to Launch Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative
March 5, 2008 - “We have been working with our Mexican partners to create an effective program since the First Lady announced, in July 2007, that Mexico would be part of the Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research of the Americas during the White House Conference on the Americas.... It is a great honor to have Mrs. Bush personally take part in our launch of the Partnership in Mexico.” (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Speaks at the American Chamber of Commerce on the U.S.-Mexico Relationship
February 25, 2008 - “There are challenges ahead, but the United States and Mexico are working hard to create a safer, more competitive environment. By continuing to ask the tough, strategic questions about where we are headed, our leaders can do what is necessary to make North America the most democratic, safe, and prosperous continent on Earth.” (complete text)

Cooperation on the National Infrastructure Program Means Opportunity for U.S. and Mexican Business
February 14, 2008 - Garza: “From February 26 to 28, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is coordinating the U.S. and Mexico: Building Partnerships in Infrastructure Conference. We are hosting this conference in Mexico City to give an opportunity to American companies to find partners in Mexico as part of President Calderon’s visionary National Infrastructure Program.” (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Promotes Travel to the U.S. at the Expo Vacaciones Tourism Fair
February 12, 2008 - “Expo Vacaciones gives tourism professionals the latest information on travel destinations in the United States.... But tourism also represents a unique medium for people-to-people exchange, improving the ties of friendship and common values that exist between our countries.” (complete text)

Special Events during February “Prosperity Month”
February 6, 2008 - Garza: “Prosperity is... creating opportunities for citizens, working for a secure environment, providing full employment, and assisting those only marginally involved in the economic life of their country to participate fully.... February is ‘Prosperity Month’ and during this period the U.S. Embassy will be involved in a variety of activities to meet these goals on both sides of the border.” (complete text)

President Bush and President Calderon Exchange Views on a Wide Range of Issues
February 5, 2008 - Garza: “What is obvious to me is that both our Presidents have a clear sense of what must be done in order to address the extraordinarily complex issues facing our two countries at this time. Without a doubt, they are both devoted to advancing our partnership at every level, to ensure the security and enhance the prosperity of both of our peoples.” (complete text)

U.S. Embassy Accepting Applications for New Passport Card
January 31, 2008 - Garza: “I am pleased to announce that the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico will begin processing applications February 1 for the new Passport Card. I was first in line to apply for this card, which can be used for travel across land borders into the U.S.” (complete text)

The State of the Union – Forward Looking and Strong
January 28, 2008 - Garza: “President Bush announced that the next North American Leaders’ Summit will be held in the great city of New Orleans this year, where he will undoubtedly have the opportunity to discuss the importance of the Merida Initiative with President Felipe Calderon and the need to build upon our already strong partnership in order to stem the rising tide of narco-related violence on both sides of our border.” (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Congratulates Mexico on Capture of a Top Sinaloa Cartel Narcotrafficker
January 21, 2008 - “When Mexico takes dangerous criminals like Beltran Leyva and his crew off the streets, the people of the United States also benefit. Our continued commitment to working with our Mexican government and law enforcement partners in the battle against these criminals is stronger than ever, and together we will succeed in taking our streets and communities back for the citizens of both our nations.” (complete text)

Our Continued Efforts Will Deny Firearms to Criminal Organizations and Reduce Gun Violence
January 16, 2008 - “Today I am announcing that the U.S. government is increasing its ongoing efforts to stem the illegal flow of firearms to Mexico, to deprive drug trafficking organizations of firearms and to reduce gun-related violence on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.” (complete text)

— NEWS —

• News from Washington
• Foreign Press Center
• Mexican Dailies on the Internet

Electronic Media:
• VOA News
• VOA Television
Embassy of the United States