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Obama: Keep US Agents Disarmed in Mexico
President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder
Talking Points Memo via YellowBrix
March 04, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC – There appears to be some light between President Obama’s position on arming Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while in Mexico and that of Attorney General Eric Holder, the nation’s top law enforcement official, just three weeks after ICE agent Jaime Zapata was shot to death in northern Mexico with a gun smuggled in from the U.S.
After a White House meeting between Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Obama seemed to convey a reluctance to arm ICE agents while they are traveling in Mexico.
“Our job is to help with information, equipment, to help with coordination,” Obama told reporters Thursday. “We do not carry out law enforcement activities in Mexico. What we can do is make sure that our cooperation is strengthened and deepened over time and we’re constantly refining how we do that in a way that is respectful of Mexico.”
“I assure you that we will be examining all our options and protocols …,” he continued.
The killing of Zapata emboldened U.S. critics of Mexico’s drug policy and earlier this week seemed to have Obama administration officials considering arming U.S. agents working across the border to ensure their safety.
“We have to make sure that those kinds of incidents are not repeated and to the extent that that involves the potential arming of them, that’s something I think we have to consider,” Holder told a congressional panel this week.
Yet, by Thursday both Obama and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano appeared to play down the prospect of arming ICE agents while traveling in Mexico.
“The issue of agents and arming is something that should be discussed in a more classified setting than a public hearing,” Napolitano said in response to a question from Rep. Mike McCaul (R-TX). “It’s an issue that involves not just Mexico but other countries as well.”
bluelinefarms
about 2 years ago
310 Comments
you better believe I would be puttin in my two week notice if I was put in that situation.
Rscheiterle
about 2 years ago
1824 Comments
They should be armed for personal protection if nothing else.
Truds
about 2 years ago
100 Comments
Did anyone stop to think that if our government entered an agreement with Mexico to allow our agents to be armed that we would be in a position to have to honor that in return? Everything isn't a conspiracy as Faux News would have you believe people. And everything isn't as easy and clear as it may seem.
aaronvalleen
about 2 years ago
92 Comments
I have a question... Isn't federal air marshals armed when they fly on overseas flights? Why in the world would you send Federal Agents anywhere without atleast a side arm. We are turning into the kinder gentler USA and the Federal government is tying our agents hands and making them a bigger target. I STRONGLY do not agree with the Obama Administration. And to all border patrol agents... Watch your Six because Obama doesn't have it...
philfroggy
about 2 years ago
1564 Comments
Stupid........... All I can say is that I did not vote for him.
JCastelot
about 2 years ago
228 Comments
I do not think Obama realizes that firearms in the hands of LEO's are for protection.
DarkBlue
about 2 years ago
4880 Comments
and ..........Bump ......Robocop33
DarkBlue
about 2 years ago
4880 Comments
How is it being respectful to Mexico by sending our agents to a Nation that is under attack by drug lords without arming them , when these same agents are there to assist Mexican Law Enforcement ? I will never understand how the LIBERAL brain is wired. Is it just me or has this Administration gone completely insane ???
Robocop33
about 2 years ago
14354 Comments
MarleyB I agree with you on not allowing armed LEO's from other nations here but, WE are there helping THEM at their request. LEOs from other nations here are not here to teach or help us.
MarlyB
about 2 years ago
4228 Comments
“It’s an issue that involves not just Mexico but other countries as well.”
The Department of Homeland Security reminds us of the multi-national scope of the problem. The subtext is that other countries who would grant the U.S such legal arrangements would require reciprocity, of course.
Armed foreign law enforcement agents conducting operations within U.S. borders is a very bad idea for countless reasons.
BuckStopsHere
about 2 years ago
68 Comments
Dismissing the notion of “a drug-free America” as nothing more than “a utopian dream,” George Soros says that “the war on drugs” is “insane” and, “like the Vietnam War,” simply “cannot be won.” This must be the reason why Obama made this statement: “We do not carry out law enforcement activities in Mexico." {{{{"BIG BUMB"}}}} What does that have to do with self-defense?!?! A Harvard education can be a very blinding experience! TheBuckStopsHere
twidget658
about 2 years ago
50 Comments
Respects Mexico and abolishes the US. He is the President of the United States of America, right? Napolitano wouldn't know anything about security even if it came up and bit her. How is she the
jctruth1
about 2 years ago
118 Comments
Question : Has this man since assuming office taken a drug test ? Seriously officers. This man needs to take a drug test to see if there's something in him. Why else would he put officers lives on the line like this UNLESS, he's delusional or is using non-prescription / recreational drugs. If the test comes back positive, can anyone say IMPEACHMENT ?!!!
ssu459
about 2 years ago
152618 Comments
No president ,in the history of our great land,has ever done so much to destroy his party and/or his country as his human mistake has.Comparitively speaking ,Clinton and Nixon were a breath of fresh air
RAMBO_911
about 2 years ago
69100 Comments
What really Amazes Me, just Blows My mind, is the Fact that, People were actually Fool enough to Vote for the, ummm never mind, I'll just junp on my typin finger, lol and say Him.