Mexico's Secretary of the Interior says the U.S. and Mexico will overcome common challenges like crime and tough economic times if they work together. The Secretary spoke at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual event to honor bi-national leaders.
Mexico's Interior Secretary, Fernando Gomez-Mont, is that country's second most powerful political figure, after the president. He's one of the key strategists on fighting organized crime.
During his speech, Gomez-Mont championed the U.S. and Mexico's collaboration and said working together is essential to gaining the upper hand on the economic crisis and drug trafficking. He emphasized that Mexico is winning the fight against organized crime. "So if you hear noise on the other side of the border, believe me it is because we are working, and we are working hard."
Mexican authorities have arrested a number of high ranking cartel members in Tijuana during the last few months and are purging police forces. However, critics of Mexico's strategy say it relies too heavily on the army and has lead to human rights abuses. Drug violence has claimed about 4,000 lives in Mexico this year.
