WASHINGTON - U.S. border cities are not experiencing spillover violence from Mexico, the new head of Customs and Border Protection said Wednesday.
Violence in U.S. cities near Mexico cannot be compared with the level of lawlessness across the border, Commissioner Alan Bersin told reporters.
Bersin also said that U.S. security measures on borders with Mexico and Canada should be carried out in a way that improves the efficiency of trade so that America can remain competitive globally.
Securing the border and expediting trade are not mutually exclusive, he said.
"The two go hand in hand," he told reporters.
Bersin took office last week on a recess appointment by President Obama.
Bersin, a former U.S. attorney in San Diego, said the escalation of violence in Mexico is a result of President Felipe Calderón's crackdown on drug cartels.
The violence has claimed the lives of U.S. Consulate workers in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and smugglers are suspected in the death of an Arizona man March 27 on his border ranch.
Customs chief sees no 'spillover' violence
Violence in U.S. cities near Mexico cannot be compared with the level of lawlessness across the border, Commissioner Alan Bersin told reporters.
Bersin also said that U.S. security measures on borders with Mexico and Canada should be carried out in a way that improves the efficiency of trade so that America can remain competitive globally.
Securing the border and expediting trade are not mutually exclusive, he said.
"The two go hand in hand," he told reporters.
Bersin took office last week on a recess appointment by President Obama.
Bersin, a former U.S. attorney in San Diego, said the escalation of violence in Mexico is a result of President Felipe Calderón's crackdown on drug cartels.
The violence has claimed the lives of U.S. Consulate workers in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and smugglers are suspected in the death of an Arizona man March 27 on his border ranch.
Customs chief sees no 'spillover' violence
