Following Border Tour, Cong. Carter Applauds New DHS Border Task Forces

Following Border Tour, Cong. Carter Applauds New DHS Border Task Forces
January 7, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman John Carter (TX-31) applauded action by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Friday to establish new Border Enforcement and Security Task Forces to combat cross-border criminal activity. The announcement by DHS coincided with a tour of the U.S.-Mexico border in Laredo, Texas by Congressman Carter, DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff, and other members of the Texas congressional delegation.

Friday's tour gave the members and Secretary an opportunity to see firsthand how recently passed border security legislation will help in preventing illegal immigration, holding lawbreakers accountable, and protecting American citizens.

"I am pleased to have joined Secretary Chertoff on his first visit to the Texas-Mexico border. I believe the visit gave the Secretary a better understanding of the challenges facing our border communities," Congressman Carter said. "I am also pleased by the Secretary's announcement of the much-needed security task forces. In Texas, we are faced with serious problems associated with drug running, arms smuggling, and violence spilling over from Mexico border towns. The Mexican side of the border is fast becoming a lawless war zone where cartels and gangs rule with martial law. This tragic development is too close to innocent American citizens and the violence is beginning to spread across the border. The action by the Department of Homeland Security will help us to increase control over our borders."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx31_carter/jan7_border.html