September 11, 2007: Mexican
officials continue to send the message that Mexico wants the U.S. to be a
"partner" in its fight against drug gangs. The
government says it does not want financial aid from the US, but better
"collaboration," and possibly a "permanent collaboration agreement" for
monitoring criminal activity along the border. This is good news in the U.S. -
such an agreement would have a positive impact on American counter-terror
operations. It might also have an effect on illegal immigration, but that's a
sensitive subject with the Mexican government. Still, defeating the drug
cartels is the number one priority for Mexico and the U.S. and despite the
Mexican statement about not wanting financial aid, it looks like money and
material support from the US is forthcoming. The US has put together an aid
program that will help Mexico buy new communications gear. It is very likely
Mexico will also get new aircraft, especially helicopters. The entire US
"support package" might be worth one billion dollars over a three year period.September 5, 2007: The Mexican
judiciary is coming down harder on the drug cartels. Judges may be more
confident that Mexican security forces will protect them from gang
intimidation. The sentencing of Benjamin Arellano Felix, a leader in the
Tijuana cartel, is an example. Today Arellano Felix received an additional 22
year prison sentence for "organized criminal activities" and narcotics
trafficking. Arellano Felix's "organized activities" include several
cartel-directed murders. Arellano Felix was already in prison, serving a
sentence for illegal weapons possession. The Mexican government announced that
the 22 year sentence will be added to his current five year sentence.
September 4, 2007: A federal
police commander was murdered by gunmen" in a parking lot in Mexicali, not far
from the California-Mexico border.
September 2, 2007: President
Felipe Calderon gave his first "state of the union" speech, and said that the Mexican military and police
forces have gained "momentum" in their war against drug cartels. He noted that
200 Mexican soldiers and policemen have died in the last year and half at the
hands of drug cartels and organized criminals. He also said that 10,000 people
have been arrested for drug-related crimes since he took office in December
2006. Recent polling indicates the Calderon has a 65 percent approval rating as
president.
