Millions Of Dollars Could Be Heading To U.S. Agencies For Border Security

EL PASO, TX – U.S. Law enforcement agencies along the border could get a slice of a $100 million dollar pie.

The U.S. Senate passed the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill Tuesday. This comes after the Bush Administration asked congress to fund the $560 million Merida Initiative, a multi-year proposal to provide Mexican law enforcement with American equipment and training to improve counter narcotics efforts.

Some worried about law enforcement agencies on the American side of the border, so the $100 million will be used for high-intensity drug trafficking areas in the U.S.

Senator Hutchison said, “The narco-terrorists in Mexico have grown increasingly violent and sophisticated. We must arm our local law enforcement officers to combat these crimes and protect themselves and our citizens.”

This morning, UTEP will host a panel discussion on this new Merida Initiative as well as the recent violence over in Juarez.

It’s going to be at 10 a.m. in the University Suite, Union Building east on the third floor.

The event is free and open to the public.