Cooperation solves problems
MEXICO'S turnover of Armando Garcia, charged with the shooting death of sheriff's Deputy David March, was an example of countries working together to solve problems.
A bittersweet victory for all involved from March's widow Teri and family to the officers with whom he served at the Temple Station to District Attorney Steve Cooley's office, the capture of Garcia in Mexico was a sigh of relief a long time coming.
At the outset, this newspaper joined March's family in urging Mexico to hand over the oft-deported Garcia, aka Jorge Arroyo Garcia.
In recent years, the increasing number of fugitives fleeing to Mexico from molester priests to wealthy rapists to alleged murderers such as Garcia, sullied Mexico's reputation.
Its extradition policy, which forbade the return of those who could face the death penalty or life in prison was based on the humanitarian philosphy that touts rehabilitation over punishment. Sadly, it also made the country the No. 1 global destination for criminals outdistancing the law. Not the best recommendation for tourism or economic investment.
But it took more than newspaper editorials and pleas from grieving loved ones to bring about the stunning victory recorded last Thursday as Mexican authorities moved in and took Garcia into custody at a relative's home.
Unknown to most, Mexican and U.S. law enforcement had been tracking Garcia for months, barely missing him as he moved about.
The Mexican authorities deserve credit for the apprehension but Rep. David Dreier played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for this outcome.
Building on his relationship with Mexico forged during negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement and particularly with President Vicente Fox, the Glendora Republican was given the opportunity to speak with Mexico's Supreme Court judges. He was able to plead America's case for returning murder suspects.
March's 2002 slaying in Irwindale was a heartwrenching example. The deputy had no idea that the driver
he pulled over in a routine traffic stop was wanted in connection with two attempted murders in Baldwin Park, or that the Mexican national was armed and dangerous. Garcia allegedly shot March to death.
Mexico gained our praise for its decision last November lifting that country's ban on extradition should suspects face life in prison, a punishment its courts felt was cruel and unusual.
It's hoped that the statement made by Ruben Beltran, Consul General for Mexico in Los Angeles holds true.
"With the apprehension of Garcia," he said, "Mexico ratifies that it is not a haven for criminals."
There are approximately 3,000 U.S. fugitives in Mexico, 700 of those are from California and about 200 of those are wanted in connection with crimes committed in L.A. County. We hope both sides stay busy with tracking, apprehending and extraditing.
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena and Dreier spearheaded legislation to increase federal resources in such cases that involve murder. Now, it can be put to good use.
Also, we agree with Cooley's decision to ask for life in prison without the possibility of parole for Garcia. Like Cooley, we believe those who murder law enforcement officers ought to receive the death penalty, but a compromise in Garcia's case was necessary. Mexico still maintains its ban on extraditing those who could face the death penalty.
Despite that lingering problem, we agree with Beltran's assessment that this case is "a shining example of what can be achieved through bilateral cooperation."
Maybe now, the newly opened negotiation path will lead to other victories in drug interdiction and border patrol
