Administration launches response to Mexican drug war

The Obama administration laid out its priorities to securing the Southwest U.S. border amidst a drug war in Mexico, committing to send some additional forces to the border.

Led by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano — former governor of border state Arizona — the U.S. government will spend $700 million to work with Mexican law enforcement to stem the drug war, and will invest in reducing the demand for drugs in the U.S. that is fueling the war in Mexico.

“The President is concerned by the increased level of violence, particularly in Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana, and the impact that it is having on the communities on both sides of the border,” the White House said in a statement announcing the policy. “He believes that the United States must continue to monitor the situation and guard against spillover into the United States.”

And, touching on the hot-button issue of illegal immigration, the White House was sure to note that the president is “firmly committed” to secure borders and reducing the flows of illegal immigration.