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AUSTIN—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Refugees and Border Security Subcommittee, met with several U.S. and Mexican law enforcement officials in Laredo today at the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge. Sen. Cornyn was briefed on several issues concerning border security along Texas’ southern border with Mexico and national security, including arms smuggling, and rising drug cartel and gang violence along our southern border. The visit comes on the heels of Friday’s announcement by the U.S. State Department that they are renewing the travel advisory warning Americans about the increased threat of violent crimes along the border. Local law enforcement officials on hand for the meeting were Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar and Laredo Police Chief Carlos Maldonado. Several U.S. federal agencies had representatives at the meetings as well, including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Border Patrol. “With border violence steadily on the rise, including drug-related and weapons smuggling activities, I appreciated the opportunity to meet with local law enforcement officials along the border, representatives from U.S. federal agencies and Mexican officials to talk about the many complex issues our two nations face,” Sen. Cornyn said. “I believe this issue has serious implications not only for Texas, but for our entire nation as well. That is why I intend to invite Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to the Texas border region so she can see firsthand the issues facing local and federal law enforcement officials, as well as write to President Obama to ask for his personal attention to this critical issue. With our ongoing military campaigns overseas, it is easy to overlook the significance of the alarming violence occurring on our southern border. To ensure our national security and prevent this violence from spilling over into Texas and other border states, the situation demands that we dedicate sufficient attention to this problem and the resources needed to address it. I believe it will take cooperation among leaders from the local, state, and federal levels to ensure our own law enforcement is equipped to handle the unique challenges they face. “The safety of Texas communities along the southern border with Mexico is a top priority of mine, and I am committed to making certain they do not fall victim to the rising violence. Earlier this month I expressed these same concerns in a meeting with Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan, and reiterated my call for investigations and hearings in Congress about how best to help Mexico combat the cartels. In this post-9/11 world, it is important that the United States and Mexico and the nations’ leaders maintain close relationships so we can work together to combat the escalating violence along our border. I will continue to examine ways to best use federal resources to quell border violence, including pushing for additional assistance to U.S. law enforcement personnel along the border. “Finally, it is so important that the US and Mexico continue to work together on vital trade initiatives. Laredo alone hosts more than 12,000 truck and 1,200 rail car crossings per day, and the local leaders and residents here understand the value of free trade. I will continue to push for stronger protections for the free trade that is so vital to Laredo and other border communities,” Sen. Cornyn concluded. Sen. Cornyn was briefed by federal law enforcement agencies on current efforts underway to crack down on weapons smuggling and border violence. Sen. Cornyn also discussed the steps he is taking on the federal level to address these serious security risks and protect the families and businesses of Laredo and communities along the entire southern border, while also maintaining relations with Mexico. Sen. Cornyn stressed the importance of protecting and furthering the successful trade industry in Laredo while taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of those who live and travel throughout the region. Background:

• Drug cartels are obtaining arms from America by using “straw purchasers,” who purchase weapons at gun shops and gun shows in the United States under false pretenses.
• ATF reports that more than 7,700 guns sold in America were confiscated in Mexico last year, up from 3,300 the year before and about 2,100 in 2006.
• Mexican authorities say 90 percent of smuggled weapons come from the United States.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Finance, Judiciary and Budget Committees. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee's Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.