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Mexico Authorities Pledge to Unite Against Drug Cartels Following Deadly Shoot-Out

Federal, state and local authorities gathered in Tijuana Tuesday to show a united front in the battle against drug traffickers in Baja California. This comes on the heels of a bloody shootout last wee

Mexico Authorities Pledge to Unite Against Drug Cartels Following Deadly Shoot-Out

Federal, state and local authorities gathered in Tijuana Tuesday to show a united front in the battle against drug traffickers in Baja California. This comes on the heels of a bloody shootout last weekend and a letter that named dozens of corrupt law enforcement officials. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

The shootout and the letter have rattled Baja California. In their wake, government and law enforcement officials pledged Tuesday to work together like never before to restore peace in the state.

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The Army General in charge of federal law enforcement in Tijuana gave an impassioned, nearly 20 minute long speech outside Tijuana's City Hall. He exhorted law enforcement and everyone who lives in Baja California to help the army crackdown.

Baja California Governor Jose Guadalupe Osuna Millan, who also spoke, warned the fight will not be easy.

Osuna says they're up against powerful enemies who've previously felt untouchable. He says from today, they'll continue to work shoulder to win this battle and give peace back to the people of Baja.

Officals say 100 more federal police are on their way to the state for a total of 700.

The number is still just a fraction of the forces Mexico's President promised two years ago.

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Amy Isackson, KPBS News.