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WASHINGTON – Federal and state law enforcement officials told a Senate panel Wednesday that more federal funding is needed to help combat crimes linked to Mexico-based drug cartels and U.S. street gangs.
Donald Reay of the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition said more federal funding is needed to help states fill the gaps when federal law enforcement fails.
“The answer for border sheriffs is not to send more money to Mexico but augment the needs of our local law enforcement to contain that violence at the border,” Reay told the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.
Capt. Leonard Miranda of the Chula Vista, Calif., police department said the success of federal, state and local task forces also is dependent on more federal aid.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., chair of the caucus, said she would push for more funding in a supplemental spending bill for Iraq and Afghanistan. She said her top concern is fighting an increase in kidnappings and home invasions in Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego and McAllen.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a caucus member, has filed a $300 million bill that would provide grants to local law enforcement agencies to hire personnel, pay overtime or buy equipment necessary to fight crime at the border. It also contains a provision that would create more federal judgeships for Southwest border states to step up prosecution of crimes.
Cornyn said the supplemental spending bill, being written in the House, could be the quickest way to get more funds for local agencies.
There have been more than 22,700 people killed in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon began a military offensive against drug cartels in 2006. The increased violence in Mexican border cities has alarmed U.S. officials.
Fears were heightened recently
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