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)
