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PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Filemon Vela Brings Issue of Violence in Tamaulipas to Forefront of Homeland Security Hearing on Mexican Drug Cartels

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            PRESS CONTACT:

April. 3, 2014                                                                  Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352

                                                                                                                                        

PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Filemon Vela Brings Issue of Violence in Tamaulipas to Forefront of Homeland Security Hearing on Mexican Drug Cartels

 

Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, The House Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing to discuss U.S.-Mexico security cooperation with respect to combatting drug trafficking organizations, including efforts leading to the recent arrest in Mexico of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, and the status of his extradition to the U.S.  Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) sits on The House Committee on Homeland Security.

 

Witnesses at the hearing were: James Dinkins, Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations; John Feeley, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State; Christopher Wilson from the Wilson Center; and Alan Bersin, Assistant Secretary of International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

 

“One of this country's most important foreign policy challenges is convincing the Mexican central government to address cartel violence especially in Tamaulipas,” said Congressman Vela. “This hearing was an opportunity to highlight the security situation in Matamoros and ensure that high-level U.S. executive branch officials and members of Congress are aware of the violence.  While progress has been made combatting cartel activity in some areas as evidenced by the recent arrest of El Chapo Guzman, Tamaulipas remains unsafe. Just as the hearing was unfolding, news broke of the murder of former Nuevo Laredo Mayor Benjamin Galvan Gomez."

 

“Currently, in Matamoros, Mexico--residents live in fear.  Cartel violence has driven those who can afford it, mostly American citizens, to flee and live in the United States.  Those who remain, live in a community that has been stripped of its vibrant cultural and economic vitality.  For the last century and a half, residents of both communities enjoyed a bicultural experience where crossing to work, eat, shop or visit family and friends was a part of everyday life. This way of life has now been ripped apart and we want it back.  It is important that members of Congress and executive officials understand this.”