WASHINGTON, DC - This weekend, three people closely connected to the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, were shot to death by members of one of the local drug cartels. Rep. Judy Chu, CA-32 has been a vocal advocate for fighting the violence of the Mexican drug cartels since of one of her constituents, Bobby Salcedo, was senselessly murdered by the drug cartels on New Year’s Eve. Rep. Chu is a staunch supporter of American aid to Mexico as they continue to fight the violence of the drug cartels.
"The killings this weekend in Ciudad Juarez are an unfortunate reminder of how the increased violence of the Mexican drug cartels continues to affect innocent Mexicans and Americans who are unrelated to the drug trade. My heart goes out to the families of the victims as they cope with their loss."
"With the Mérida Initiative expiring this year, we are at a critical point in our relationship with Mexico. The cartels must know that we will not be intimidated by targeted violence against American consulate employees and their families. Now more than ever we must fight to combat the violence in Mexico. As we develop a comprehensive strategy to continue this historic agreement, we should focus our efforts on three key elements: fighting the massive money laundering of funds out of the US, improving the forensic technology available to Mexican law enforcement entities, and helping Mexico rebuild its judicial institutions. I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to develop an effective strategy to support the Mexican government and reduce the violence in Mexico."
Lesley A. Enriquez, an employee of the US consulate in Ciudad Juarez, and her husband, Arthur H. Redelfs, were killed on Sunday returning home from a birthday party attended by a number of officials connected to the consulate. The third person killed, Jorge Alberto Salcido, was identified as the husband of a Mexican employee of the consulate. He was traveling with two children, both of whom were injured.
