

Currently released so far... 12689 / 251,287
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/24
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/10
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
2011/05/01
2011/05/02
2011/05/03
2011/05/04
2011/05/05
2011/05/06
2011/05/07
2011/05/08
2011/05/09
2011/05/10
2011/05/11
2011/05/12
2011/05/13
2011/05/14
2011/05/15
2011/05/16
2011/05/17
2011/05/18
2011/05/19
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
Consulate Dubai
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Kolkata
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Melbourne
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy Niamey
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Peshawar
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sapporo
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
USUN New York
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
UNVIE
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
AF
ASEC
AR
AEMR
AMGT
AE
AU
AID
AORC
APER
AS
AM
AFIN
AMED
AJ
AGR
ACOA
ANET
ASIG
ABLD
AL
AA
APECO
AGAO
AY
AGMT
APEC
AINF
AG
ACS
AECL
AFFAIRS
ABUD
ASUP
ADANA
AADP
AMCHAMS
ARF
ASEAN
ADPM
ATRN
ALOW
APCS
ADCO
ACAO
AORG
AROC
AO
AODE
ACABQ
AX
AMEX
AFGHANISTAN
AZ
AND
ARM
AQ
ATFN
AMBASSADOR
ACBAQ
AFSI
AFSN
AC
AUC
ASEX
AER
AVERY
AGRICULTURE
ASCH
AFU
AMG
ATPDEA
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
AORL
ADM
AN
AIT
BU
BR
BL
BO
BA
BB
BG
BM
BBSR
BH
BEXP
BK
BD
BTIO
BT
BE
BY
BF
BX
BP
BRUSSELS
BILAT
BIDEN
BC
BMGT
BWC
BN
BTIU
CH
CG
CF
CU
CE
CVIS
CASC
CO
CS
CA
CIDA
CBW
CW
CMGT
CI
CODEL
CY
CPAS
CJAN
CD
CWC
CDG
CIA
CL
CROS
CAPC
CTR
CT
CR
CBSA
CEUDA
COM
CFED
CV
CACS
CARSON
CLINTON
CN
CONS
CM
CAC
CIC
COPUOS
CDC
CONDOLEEZZA
CICTE
COUNTER
COUNTRY
CBE
CKGR
CHR
CVR
COUNTERTERRORISM
CITEL
CLEARANCE
COE
CARICOM
CB
CSW
CITT
CACM
CDB
CJUS
CTM
CAN
CLMT
CBC
CNARC
CIS
EG
EZ
EUN
ECON
ETRD
ECPS
EFIN
ENRG
ETTC
EPET
EINV
EAID
EAIR
EWWT
EU
EAGR
EC
ELAB
EIND
EN
EMIN
ESENV
ENNP
EFIS
ELTN
ET
ECIN
EFTA
ES
EINT
EI
ENGR
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
ENVI
ETRDECONWTOCS
ECINECONCS
ELN
ELECTIONS
ENVR
EXTERNAL
EXIM
ETRO
ENIV
ESA
ER
EK
EUR
EFINECONCS
EUMEM
EUREM
EPA
ERNG
ENERG
ECA
ETRC
EINVEFIN
ETC
EAP
ECONOMY
EINN
ECONOMIC
EXBS
ECUN
ENGY
ECONOMICS
EIAR
EINDETRD
ECONEFIN
EURN
EDU
ETRDEINVTINTCS
ECIP
EFIM
EAIDS
EREL
EINVETC
ECONCS
ETRA
EAIG
EUC
ERD
ETRN
EINVECONSENVCSJA
EEPET
EUNCH
IS
IZ
IR
IC
IO
IN
ID
IGAD
IT
ILC
IAEA
ITU
ICAO
IMO
IBRD
IMF
ICJ
IAHRC
ITF
INRA
INRO
IWC
IQ
IV
ICRC
ICTY
INRB
IEFIN
ILO
ITRA
ITALY
IBET
ISRAELI
IL
INTELSAT
IRC
IDP
ICTR
IRAQI
IPR
IIP
INMARSAT
ITPGOV
ITALIAN
INTERNAL
IRS
IA
INTERPOL
IEA
INR
IZPREL
IRAJ
IF
ITPHUM
ISRAEL
IACI
INDO
IDA
ISLAMISTS
KSPR
KNNP
KWBG
KAWK
KISL
KPAO
KN
KS
KIPR
KCRM
KDEM
KIRF
KJUS
KHLS
KSCA
KOMC
KAWC
KV
KFRD
KWMN
KTIP
KPWR
KSUM
KGHG
KTIA
KTFN
KIRC
KCOR
KACT
KMDR
KGIC
KOLY
KUNR
KIDE
KMPI
KPKO
KCFE
KVPR
KRAD
KPAL
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KTEX
KTDB
KFSC
KZ
KSEP
KFLU
KE
KU
KPLS
KRVC
KRIM
KSTH
KG
KFLO
KPOA
KICC
KDDG
KPRV
KTBT
KBCT
KSAF
KMOC
KDRG
KBIO
KREC
KSTC
KVRP
KBTR
KMIG
KENV
KNSD
KCGC
KWAC
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KWMM
KPRP
KNEI
KPAI
KO
KVIR
KX
KMCA
KCRS
KMFO
KID
KCIP
KNAR
KR
KCRCM
KBTS
KSEO
KHDP
KFIN
KOCI
KGIT
KNUP
KPAONZ
KNUC
KNNPMNUC
KERG
KSCI
KTLA
KHIV
KCSY
KTRD
KMRS
KNPP
KJUST
KCMR
KTER
KRCM
KCFC
KSAC
KCHG
KREL
KFTFN
KCOM
KLIG
KDEMAF
KAID
KGCC
KICA
KHUM
KSEC
KPIN
KESS
KDEV
KWWMN
KOM
KWNM
KRFD
KRGY
KIFR
KWMNCS
KPAK
KOMS
KHSA
MPOS
MOPS
MARR
MTCR
MNUC
MASS
MX
MCAP
MAR
MTRE
MASC
MK
MG
MTCRE
MI
MD
MA
MO
MY
MU
ML
MRCRE
MAS
MEDIA
MC
MR
MIL
MW
MARAD
MAPP
MZ
MP
MOPPS
MTS
MLS
MILI
MEPN
MEPI
MEETINGS
MERCOSUR
MT
MCC
MIK
MAPS
MV
MILITARY
MDC
MEPP
MASSMNUC
MUCN
MQADHAFI
NATO
NG
NL
NZ
NT
NW
NO
NU
NS
NPT
NASA
NI
NK
NSG
NE
NORAD
NAFTA
NP
NATIONAL
NSSP
NSF
NA
NGO
NV
NR
NDP
NIPP
NZUS
NH
NC
NEW
NRR
NAR
NATOPREL
NPG
NSC
NPA
NSFO
OPDC
OPRC
OEXC
OTRA
ODIP
OIIP
OVIP
OPIC
OPCW
OAS
OREP
OSCE
OSCI
OES
OFDP
OECD
OCS
OIC
OPAD
OVP
OHUM
OFFICIALS
OIE
OTR
OMIG
OSAC
OBSP
OFDA
ON
OCII
PREL
PGOV
PARM
PINR
PTER
PHUM
PK
PREF
PM
PHSA
PA
PINS
PE
PBTS
PCI
PO
PL
POGOV
PAK
PEL
PGIV
PROP
PP
PBIO
POL
POLITICS
POLICY
PINL
PBT
PMIL
POV
PTBS
PG
POSTS
PALESTINIAN
PROV
PNAT
PINF
PRL
PAS
PDOV
PRAM
PREO
PAHO
PHUMPGOV
PAO
PREFA
PSI
POLITICAL
PAIGH
PARMS
PROG
PTERE
PRGOV
PORG
PS
PGOF
PKFK
PSOE
PEPR
PPA
PINT
PMAR
PRELP
PNG
PFOR
PUNE
PGOVLO
PHUMBA
PSEPC
PNR
POLINT
PGOVE
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PDEM
PECON
PGOC
PY
PLN
PHUH
PF
PHUS
PU
PARTIES
PCUL
PGGV
PSA
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PHUMPREL
RS
RU
RW
REACTION
RCMP
RSO
RO
RP
ROOD
RM
ROBERT
RICE
REGION
RSP
RF
RIGHTS
RIGHTSPOLMIL
RUPREL
RELATIONS
RFE
REPORT
SY
SP
SOCI
SMIG
SNAR
SCUL
SC
SU
SO
SI
SENV
SZ
SW
SA
SR
SF
SEVN
SN
STEINBERG
SEN
SG
SYR
SWE
SK
SH
SNARCS
SAARC
SNARIZ
SPCE
SARS
SNARN
SCRS
SYRIA
SL
SENVKGHG
SAN
ST
SIPDIS
SSA
SPCVIS
SOFA
SANC
SHI
SHUM
SIPRS
TSPA
TSPL
TU
TBIO
TRGY
TPHY
TS
TP
TW
TBID
TI
TF
TZ
TD
TT
TN
TNGD
TC
TX
TH
TL
TIP
THPY
TV
TK
TERRORISM
TO
TRSY
TURKEY
TINT
TFIN
TAGS
TR
US
UNSC
UNGA
UK
UP
UNCHC
UN
UNMIK
UNCSD
UY
USTR
USOAS
UNHRC
UNFCYP
UG
UNAUS
UNESCO
UNIDROIT
UNO
UV
UNHCR
USUN
UZ
USNC
UNCHR
UNCND
UNEP
USEU
USPS
USAID
UE
UNVIE
UAE
UNDP
UNODC
UNCHS
UNFICYP
UNDESCO
UNC
UNPUOS
UNDC
UNICEF
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 08MEXICO23, DRAFT COUNTRY TERRORISM REPORT FOR 2007
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #08MEXICO23.
Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|---|
08MEXICO23 | 2008-01-04 22:01 | 2011-02-12 12:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Mexico |
Appears in these articles: http://wikileaks.jornada.com.mx/notas/estrategias-para-combatir-el-terrorismo |
VZCZCXRO5183
RR RUEHCD RUEHGD RUEHHO RUEHMC RUEHNG RUEHNL RUEHRD RUEHRS RUEHTM
DE RUEHME #0023/01 0042201
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 042201Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY MEXICO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0049
INFO RUEHXC/ALL US CONSULATES IN MEXICO COLLECTIVE
RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC
RUEHC/DEPT OF LABOR WASHDC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RHMFIUU/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
RHMFIUU/CDR USNORTHCOM
RUEAHLA/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUEABND/DEA HQS WASHINGTON DC
136383,1/4/2008 22:01,08MEXICO23,"Embassy Mexico",UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY,08STATE145633,"VZCZCXRO5183
RR RUEHCD RUEHGD RUEHHO RUEHMC RUEHNG RUEHNL RUEHRD RUEHRS RUEHTM
DE RUEHME #0023/01 0042201
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 042201Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY MEXICO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0049
INFO RUEHXC/ALL US CONSULATES IN MEXICO COLLECTIVE
RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC
RUEHC/DEPT OF LABOR WASHDC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RHMFIUU/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
RHMFIUU/CDR USNORTHCOM
RUEAHLA/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUEABND/DEA HQS WASHINGTON DC","UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 MEXICO 000023
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR S/CT (Secretary/Counter terrorism)- RHONDA SHORE AND WHA/MEX
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER ASEC PGOV MX
SUBJECT: DRAFT COUNTRY TERRORISM REPORT FOR 2007
REF: STATE 145633
Mexico is a key ally of the United States in combating
terrorism, and its commitment to work with us to preempt
terrorist activity or entry through our shared border is
strong. There are no known international terrorists residing
or operating in the country. No terrorist incidents
targeting U.S. interests/personnel have occurred on or
originated from Mexican territory. Although the July and
September attacks on oil and gas pipelines by a guerrilla
group called the Popular Revolutionary Army (EPR) have raised
the specter of domestic terrorism, Mexico primarily
represents a terrorist transit threat and our bilateral
efforts focus squarely on minimizing that threat.
Since entering office last December, President Calderon's
Administration has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment
to improve national security. Moreover, the GOM (Government of Mexico) is also resolved to greatly strengthen law enforcement and counter
terrorism cooperation with the USG (US Government) in coming years. USG law
enforcement agencies enjoy much improved relationships with
Mexican security institutions across the board. Mexico worked
with the USG in 2007 to enhance aviation, border, maritime,
and transportation security, secure critical infrastructure,
and combat terrorism financing.
In 2007, the GOM continued to make steady progress in the
area of counter terrorism with an emphasis on border security
projects focused on special interest aliens (SIAs) and alien
smuggling. The GOM worked to professionalize federal law
enforcement institutions, restructuring and strengthening the
institutions directly responsible for fighting organized
crime, and developing tools under the framework of the
Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) to better address
national security threats.
Information-sharing on counter terrorism issues in the first
year of the Calderon administration was strong. The March
2005 launch of the SPP, which consists of ten
security-related goals within its Security Pillar,
institutionalized mechanisms for information exchange between
the U.S. and Mexico. The USG will continue working with
Mexico to improve existing information sharing initiatives.
In particular, USG will continue to support digitalization of
the GOM information-gathering procedures in order to build a
database of usable biometric information and strengthen our
ability to accurately analyze the information provided by
GOM.
The continued exploitation of smuggling channels traversing
the U.S. Mexico border, and lack of enforcement along
Mexico's border with Guatemala remain continuing strategic
concerns. The GOM takes the terrorist transit and SIA (Special Interest Aliens) smuggling possibility seriously and has been responsive to
U.S. reports concerning SIA smuggling. Mexico passed a law
against human-trafficking which will aid in pursuing criminal
proceedings against traffickers and smugglers operating in
Mexico. In a recent case, Mexican authorities provided
substantial support to U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement in arresting a third country national wanted in
the U.S. for SIA smuggling.
One setback was a change in detention procedures for SIAs.
In 2005 and 2006, Mexico's Immigration Service (INM)
maintained a policy of housing all detained aliens of Special
Interest Countries at their detention facility near Mexico
City. However, in March 2007, INM began releasing such
detainees from their point of arrest, thus hindering
information-sharing and the USG's ability to track the
movement of SIAs.
Nevertheless, cooperation between the USG and GOM has been
strong overall, especially in investigating individuals
suspected of cooperation with SIA smugglers or terrorist
organizations. The two countries exchange information and
closely cooperate in targeting alien smugglers, particularly
along Mexico's northern border. A particularly effective
mechanism is the Operation Against Smugglers Initiative on
Safety and Security (OASISS), which allows Mexican and U.S.
law enforcement officials to systematically share real-time
MEXICO 00000023 002 OF 003
information regarding ongoing alien smuggling investigations.
OASISS enhances the ability of both governments to prosecute
alien smugglers and human traffickers, who otherwise might
elude justice. OASISS is currently operational in the U.S.
in all four states along the southwest border and in most of
Mexico's northern border states. The program provides a model
for bilateral information-sharing in a variety of law
enforcement and security areas. An essential next step will
be to expand OASISS to all Mexico's northern border states.
At the same time, the USG needs to continue to support the
GOM's efforts to expand operations targeting SIA smuggling
organizations along Mexico's southern border.
The U.S.-Mexico Border Security and Public Safety Working
Group formed in March 2006 has become another important tool
for bilateral cooperation, establishing protocols between
both governments to respond cooperatively at a local level to
critical incidents and emergencies along the border. The
success of the pilot sites led to the expansion and
formalization of the program. These protocols are now in
place along the entire US/Mexico border.
The USG was able to further develop its border security
relationship with the GOM under President Calderon through
training programs, which focused on using non-intrusive
inspection equipment, detecting weapons of mass destruction,
and identifying fraudulent documents.
The GOM coordinated with the USG on information sharing of
air passenger data and the use of its Integrated System for
Migratory Operations (SIOM). The USG is also planning to
support the establishment by the INM of a national center for
migratory alerts. This center will correlate information
drawn from various other agencies to alert immigration
officials of possible suspect entries into Mexico. In
addition, the USG and GOM agreed to share on an ad hoc basis
biometric data for inclusion in the Integrated Automated
Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). In order to
accomplish this goal, USG needs to continue to support GOM's
effort to improve their biometric collection procedures in
line with USG standards and practices.
In mid-2006, the GOM and USG began negotiations on programs
designed to deter terrorists from using the Mexico's seaports
to ship illicit materials, detect nuclear or radioactive
materials if shipped via sea cargo, and interdict harmful
material before it could be used against the U.S. or one of
our allies. The cooperative effort will include installation
of specialized equipment to screen cargo containers for
nuclear or other radioactive materials. If anything were
detected, the equipment would alert Mexican port officials of
the need to further examine the cargo and take appropriate
action.
In the area of money laundering, the USG developed strong
working relationships with the Financial Intelligence Unit of
the Attorney General's Office (PGR) and its companion unit in
the Mexican Treasury (Hacienda) in combating money
laundering, terrorist financing, and narcotics trafficking.
In one case in late 2007, Mexican police worked with U.S.
authorities to identify and arrest the alleged finance head
for the Sinaloa drug cartel, targeting a ring that bought
airplanes with laundered money to smuggle drugs. The GOM
also deployed to Mexico City's international airport a task
force that included elements from the Federal Investigative
Agency (AFI), Mexican Customs, and prosecuting attorneys from
the Attorney General's anti-money laundering criminal
prosecution section.
On June 28, 2007 President Calderon signed into law
legislation outlawing terrorist financing and associated
money laundering. The new law establishes international
terrorism and terror financing as serious criminal offenses,
as called for in UN resolution 1373, and provides for up to
40 year prison sentences. The measure also incorporates
several non-finance related provisions including jail
sentences for individuals who cover up the identities of
terrorists and for those who recruit people to commit
terrorist acts. While it lacked some important provisions,
such as assets forfeiture measures, the law is a significant
MEXICO 00000023 003 OF 003
step forward in suppressing those who plan, facilitate,
finance or commit terrorist acts. Mexico's legislature is
currently working on legal reform legislation which, if
enacted, will offer law enforcement officials broader
authorities (including assets forfeiture) to investigate and
prosecute serious criminal cases, including terrorist
activity. Despite the recent legislation and excellent
USG-GOM cooperation, money laundering remains a significant
problem in Mexico, and the USG would like to see more Mexican
resources dedicated to tackling the problem.
The Mexican Navy and Army continued to expand their counter
terrorism capabilities in 2007. The Mexican Navy improved
control over ports of entry by deploying a newly constituted
infantry force. The Navy is also looking to expand its still
incomplete control over Mexico's vast maritime zone by better
integrating radar, patrol craft, sea going vessels, air
platforms, and land based platforms. If undertaken, these
enhancements to Mexico's maritime air surveillance will allow
the Navy to better protect key national strategic facilities,
including those related to oil production in the Bay of
Campeche. In 2007 the GOM deployed significant military
forces to combat a growing wave of drug related violence.
The experience gained in these operations could be applied to
future counterterrorism efforts, especially in regards to
intelligence and logistics operations. It remains difficult
to assess the Mexican Army's counterterrorism capabilities
due to the institution's closed nature. While there have been
improvements in U.S.- Mexico military to military cooperation
in the past year, the USG and the GOM armed forces have
limited interoperability in the area of counter terrorism.
Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity and the North American
Partnership Blog at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap /
Leslie BASSETT