Press Release from the Department of Homeland Security, July 8, 2010Footnote 1
Readout of Meeting Between Secretary Janet Napolitano and Canadian Minister Jason Kenney
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Minister Jason Kenney today met to discuss a range of bilateral immigration issues. The goal of the discussion was to find additional ways of cooperating to enhance the integrity of both countries’ immigration systems and expedite legitimate travel and commerce between the two nations.
“The partnership between the United States and Canada is critical to promoting national security and economic growth in both of our nations,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Minister Kenney and I are committed to working together to develop and implement border security and immigration measures and standards that help ensure the safety and security of our citizens.”
“Canada's longstanding geographic, economic and social ties with the United States are a source of strength for both countries,” said Minister Kenney. “By sharing information and working together we can redefine approaches to identifying and screening travelers to expedite the flow of individuals moving legitimately across our borders, while protecting against those who would threaten our shared peace and prosperity.”
During the meeting, Secretary Napolitano and Minister Kenney discussed the progress that has been made since they last met in May 2009—including ongoing work toward the completion of a thorough comparison of admissibility criteria and screening procedures conducted jointly by DHS and CIC, which will lead to improvements in cross-border coordination and information sharing.
They also signed a Terms of Reference to formalize the long-standing Visa Policy Working Group—institutionalizing this joint forum supported by DHS, the U.S. Department of State and CIC designed to enhance bilateral consultations and information sharing about visa, admissibility, and screening policies.
Additionally, Secretary Napolitano and Minister Kenney identified further opportunities for information sharing and collaboration relating to immigration and refugee policies and the traveler registration and identity verification process and discussed future approaches to screening travelers.
Remarks by President Obama and Dominican President Fernández, July 12, 2010Footnote 2
President Barack Obama and President Leonel Fernández delievered these statements in Washington, DC
President Obama. Hello, everybody. Good afternoon. President Fernández and I just had an excellent conversation. We first met and I think forged a good working relationship and friendship at the Summit of the Americas last year. And we have built on that relationship, as have our respective administrations, on a whole host of issues.
We had a wide-ranging discussion. One of the first messages I wanted to deliver was my appreciation for the role that the Dominican Republic played in helping the international community respond to the crisis in Haiti after the devastating earthquake there. And I think that the Dominican Republic's role, President Fernández's role in particular, in helping to facilitate a rapid response was extraordinarily important. It saved lives and it continues as we look at how we can reconstruct and rebuild in Haiti in a way that is good not only for the people of Haiti but also good for the region as a whole.
That was just one example of the leadership that President Fernández has shown. He and his government have been extremely helpful in resolving the political crisis that existed in Honduras. And we discussed ways that we can manage that process so that Honduras can once again be fully integrated into the regional groupings and organizations in a way that is respectful of democracy. And we coordinated closely between our two countries on that issue.
We discussed the critical issue of drug trafficking and crime and how that has the potential to be destabilizing throughout the region. And we have already seen great cooperation between our countries through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, but more needs to be done. And so President Fernández and I discussed how we can do a better job coordinating through multinational groupings to address what is a scourge on so many countries. And that involves us dealing both with the supply side of the equation but also the demand side.
And as I've said before in conversations, for example, with President Calderón in Mexico, we here in the United States have an important obligation to make sure that we are dealing with the demand of drugs. There are also cross-border flows that involve guns and weapons and cash. So the problem involves all of us and if we're going to solve it, we're going to have to work coordinating together.
And we also talked about how working together we can expand trade opportunities, commercial opportunities, business opportunities. One area that I expressed to the President that is of particular interest to me is clean energy. Last year when I met with President Lula of Brazil, I noted that Brazil had made enormous progress around clean energy, sugar cane-based ethanol, the possibilities of real energy independence in the region. I think those same opportunities exist for the Dominican Republic. And President Fernández and I discussed how we can work more closely together around energy security issues—something that my administration is very interested in partnering with Central American and Latin American countries to work on.
So the main message I have to the people of the Dominican Republic is thank you for your friendship. I think the American people appreciate greatly the bonds between our two countries—bonds that express themselves obviously in our extraordinary Dominican population, Dominican American population that we have here in this country. And obviously I've got to note that we got some pretty good baseball players here from the Dominican Republic.
President Fernández. Yes, sir.
President Obama. But for some reason I've got a lot of Red Sox fans here, so they keep on talking about Ortiz, but I'm a White Sox guy.
But, Mr. President, welcome. Thank you for your friendship. And we look forward to a long and constructive relationship between not only our countries but our two governments.
President Fernández. Thank you, Mr. President. Well, first of all, I would like to thank President Obama for extending an invitation to come here to the White House and speak on issues that are of mutual interest for the U.S. government and for the Dominican Republic. As the President has indicated, we have agreed on several issues, some bilateral issues between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, and also on regional issues.
We do appreciate, Mr. President, that with all you have on your agenda, with all the international issues, with all the crises, with the economic situation that's affecting worldwide, you have put on your agenda the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Dominican Republic. I think this is evidence that you do have an interest for the region and the problems that affect not only the Dominican Republic but the region as a whole.
As you have indicated, one of our major concerns has to do with drug trafficking, with transnational crime, with violence related to all these criminal activities. I think that the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative has been the right path forward. I commend you for that, Mr. President. And I think now we should move into a more collaborative environment with the other Caribbean nations, Central America, and Mexico. It is only by coordinating our efforts that we can really defeat this epidemic that has become overwhelming to all of our countries. And whatever we can do from the supply side, as you said, or the demand side, will be of great significance for the safety and security of our people.
Other issues, like you said, related to clean energy—we're working on that in the Dominican Republic with wind energy and with the potential production of ethanol in our country. We'll move on also with trade. We have a free trade agreement between both of our countries, of which we have not benefited fully because of the global financial crisis and how it has affected trade. But we can look into the future hopefully that we will increase our trade activities and more investment coming from the U.S. into the Dominican Republic.
So once again, Mr. President, I thank you for your friendship, I thank you for your vision, for your leadership, and for your commitment to the region and the Dominican Republic.
President Obama. Thank you very much. Thank you, everybody.
Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton and Dominican President Fernández, July 13, 2010Footnote 3
Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Leonel Fernández delivered these statements in Washington, DC
Secretary Clinton. Well, it is wonderful to welcome President Fernández here to the State Department. I was privileged to be in the Oval Office yesterday when the president met with the President. And it was an excellent meeting and I look forward to following through today on the many issues that were discussed. But again, Mr. President, we're so pleased you're here.
President Fernández. Thank you. Thank you. And I would also like to state that for me, it was an honor, a great honor to have this meeting yesterday with President Obama, and we shared some thoughts about the situation in the region, and specifically about the relationship between the Dominican Republic and the U.S.
And if you allow me now, Madam Secretary, I will shift into Spanish, since yesterday I was not able to really speak in our official language.
I would like to say that for us, it is a great honor to have this meeting here at the Department of State with a person who is very admired in the Dominican Republic, Secretary Hillary Clinton. Yesterday, with President Obama, we discussed areas of mutual interest for the Dominican Republic and the United States as well as our region. We want to continue the discussion today with Secretary Clinton to reaffirm issues we discussed yesterday with President Obama. Many thanks.
Thank you.
Secretary Clinton. Thank you all.
Press Release from the Department of Homeland Security, July 13, 2010Footnote 4
Today, Canada's Public Safety Minister, Vic Toews and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano, met to advance a strategic dialogue on developing a shared vision for border security for Canada and the United States—one that will enhance security and resilience against common threats, while bolstering competitiveness and job creation.
As part of that dialogue, Secretary Napolitano and Minister Toews announced a first-ever plan to establish a comprehensive cross-border approach to critical infrastructure resilience—focused on the need for a strong partnership to share information and assess and manage risks to enhance both nations’ ability to prepare for and respond to disasters.
“Our mutual security extends beyond our borders and we must work together to mitigate threats before they reach either Canada or the U.S. while facilitating the legitimate mobility of people and goods between us,” said Minister Toews. “Crystallizing a shared vision of border security that facilitates trade is a priority if we are to mitigate threats to our joint security and promote economic competitiveness.”
“The security of the United States and Canada is uniquely linked by proximity and a long history of close collaboration between our two governments,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Today's announcements reflect our commitment to cooperative action to protect and safeguard both nations’ vital assets, networks and systems, as well as the shared responsibility to protect all citizens from cross-border crime and terrorism.”
Recognizing the importance of critical infrastructure, both Canada and the United States have developed strategies (e.g. Canada's National Strategy and Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure and the U.S. National Infrastructure Protection Plan) to enhance resiliency in their respective countries. The Canada-United States Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure will support implementation of these strategies in Canada and the United States and will enable both countries to more effectively address a range of cross border critical infrastructure issues. The plan is available at www.dhs.gov and www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
Secretary Napolitano and Minister Toews also announced the following joint initiatives that will play a critical role in the national and economic security of both nations:
Child Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking: Secretary Napolitano announced that six U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel will be deployed in the coming months to join a Canadian effort to further assist the Haitian National Police to prevent sexual exploitation of children and potential human trafficking in Haiti, complementing existing binational collaboration to address these issues. Following January's devastating earthquake in Haiti, which left many children orphaned and potentially vulnerable to exploitation, Royal Canadian Mounted Police victim identification specialists assisted the Haitian National Police in creating a database of these children to assist in their identification and rescue should they become exploited.
MOU on Cross Border Currency Seizure Information Sharing: Secretary Napolitano and Minister Toews announced that the Canada Border Services Agency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding that will help to identify potential threats and assist in money-laundering and terrorist-financing investigations and prosecutions. Secretary Napolitano and Minister Toews also discussed progress made on the development of an enhanced common understanding of shared threats through the Joint Border Threat and Risk Assessment, which outlines areas of concern along the U.S.-Canada border where there is the potential of terrorism and transnational organized crime. The assessment, which will be released later this summer, jointly addresses drug trafficking and illegal immigration, the illicit movement of prohibited or controlled goods, agricultural hazards, and the spread of infectious disease.
White House Statement, July 14, 2010Footnote 5
Dear Mr. Chairman: (Dear Representative:) (Dear Senator:)
Consistent with section 306(c)(2) of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-114)(the “Act”), I hereby determine and report to the Congress that suspension, for 6 months beyond August 1, 2010, of the right to bring an action under title III of the Act is necessary to the national interests of the United States and will expedite a transition to democracy in Cuba.
Sincerely,
BARACK OBAMA
Press Release from the Department of the Treasury, July 15, 2010Footnote 6
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated nine individuals and 13 entities located in Colombia, Mexico and Panama as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers (SDNTs) pursuant to Executive Order 12978. These individuals and entities are designated today for providing material support to the narcotics trafficking activities of, or for acting for or on behalf of, Colombian national Pedro Antonio Bermudez Suaza (aka “El Arquitecto”) or other designated individuals or entities. Today's action prohibits U.S. persons from conducting financial or commercial transactions with these individuals and entities and freezes any assets the designees have under U.S. jurisdiction.
Bermudez Suaza, whose criminal expertise is smuggling cocaine via aircraft, was designated by Treasury as an SDNT in May 2009 following his capture by Mexican authorities in late 2008. He was extradited from Mexico to the United States in June 2010 to face drug trafficking charges in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Bermudez Suaza has also been indicted for drug trafficking in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Also in June 2010, Colombian authorities announced the seizure of approximately $76 million in assets belonging to Bermudez Suaza obtained with illicit proceeds from drug trafficking in Medellin and other cities in Colombia, including residences, commercial property and aircraft.
“Today's designations will expose and dismantle the remnants of Bermudez Suaza's international network of conspirators, front companies, and assets, which have remained hidden for years,” said OFAC Director Adam J. Szubin.
Among the individuals designated today are Mexican nationals Andre Rodriguez Fernandez and Pablo Agustin Meouchi Saade. Rodriguez Fernandez is a fugitive from drug trafficking charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, where he was indicted in conjunction with Bermudez Suaza. Meouchi Saade manages properties in Mexico for Bermudez Suaza. Seven Colombian nationals were also designated today, including Maria Monserrat Luque Aguilera, Diego Aristizabal Mejia, Carlos Manuel Ramirez Duque, and John Jairo Pelaez Lopez, who act as front persons for Bermudez Suaza. Three of today's designees—Luis Bernardo Mejia Molina, Martha Elena Tobon Calle, and Monica Maria Castro Jaramillo–have ties to both Bermudez Suaza and his deceased drug trafficking partner, Olmedo Gomez Cruz.
Thirteen companies were also designated today. In Mexico, real estate management companies, Grupo Iruna, S.A. de C.V. and Grupo Jezinne, S.A. de C.V., and corn products companies Industrializadora Purecorn, S.A. de C.V. and Masa Facil, S.A. de C.V. were designated today. In Panama, asset holding companies Roseville Investments S.A. and Tremaine Corp. were designated. In Colombia, the designated entities include Renta Liquida S.A.S., which was created in September 2009 for the purpose of evading U.S. sanctions and to collect rents from numerous Medellin commercial properties owned or controlled by Bermudez Suaza. Renta Liquida S.A.S. fills the role played by several companies that were put out of business as a result of sanctions applied to Bermudez Suaza's organization in May 2009. OFAC also designated Broker CMS El Agrario S.A., an agricultural company located in Envigado, Colombia managed by Diego Aristizabal Mejia and Luis Bernardo Mejia Molina.
Today's designation, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration, is part of the ongoing interagency effort by the Departments of the Treasury, Justice, State and Homeland Security to implement Executive Order 12978, which applies financial sanctions against Colombia's drug cartels.
Press Release from the Department of Homeland Security, July 15, 2010Footnote 7
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today traveled to Laredo, Texas to announce more than $47 million in fiscal year 2010 Operation Stonegarden grants for the Southwest border states. She also met with law enforcement leaders to discuss the Department's efforts to support state, local and tribal law enforcement in protecting communities from cross-border threats and will tour U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations at the Laredo Port of Entry this afternoon.
“Over the past year and a half, this Administration has pursued a new border security strategy with an unprecedented sense of urgency, making historic investments in personnel, technology and infrastructure while combating transnational criminal organizations that smuggle weapons, cash and people across our shared border with Mexico,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Operation Stonegarden is one part of our overall strategy to provide state, local and tribal law enforcement on the frontlines the resources they need to confront the complex and dynamic challenges that exist along our borders.”
The fiscal year 2010 Operation Stonegarden grants—totaling $60 million nationally—support 15 border states and the Territory of Puerto Rico to enhance the capabilities of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to secure U.S. borders and territories. Funds were allocated using CBP's sector-specific border risk methodology based on threat, vulnerability, miles of border and border-specific law enforcement intelligence. Nearly 80 percent of the fiscal year 2010 funding will go to Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas—up from 59 percent in 2008. Operation Stonegarden grants can be used to support law enforcement personnel, overtime, and other related costs to increase operational readiness.
While in Laredo, Secretary Napolitano also participated in a roundtable discussion with law enforcement leaders about the immigration and border-related challenges they face, and reiterated the Department's continued commitment to supporting state, local and tribal law enforcement efforts to protect communities from cross-border threats through increased personnel, advanced technology, enhanced information-sharing, and risk-based grant funding.
Secretary Napolitano will conclude her visit with a tour of CBP operations at the Laredo Port of Entry, where she observed the new Southwest border strategies that have resulted in significant, measurable progress in this region. Apprehensions of illegal crossers were down 23 percent last year from the year before and seizures of cartel-related contraband rose significantly across the board—seizing 14 percent more illegal bulk cash, 29 percent more illegal weapons, and 15 percent more illegal drugs than the year before.
Press Release from the Department of Homeland Security, July 22, 2010Footnote 8
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today marked the sixth anniversary of the issuance of the 9/11 Commission Report by releasing a 2010 progress report outlining advancements in the Department's capabilities to protect against and respond to acts of terrorism and other threats—including a series of unprecedented steps to bolster aviation security in the United States and around the world.
“The 9/11 Commission's recommendations have in many ways set the course for the Department's efforts to combat security threats,” said Secretary Napolitano. “By working with our partners across the globe, we have achieved historic advances in international aviation security—including bolstering explosives detection, strengthening the vetting of passengers against terrorist watchlists, refining passenger screening techniques and deploying tens of thousands of trained aviation security personnel—that make air travel safer for everyone.”
Highlights from the DHS Progress Report Include:
Major Aviation Security Milestones
DHS has fulfilled a key 9/11 Commission recommendation by implementing Secure Flight for 100 percent of passengers flying domestically and internationally on U.S. airlines, meaning that TSA, not the air carriers, vets passengers against government watchlists using passenger name, date of birth, and gender before a boarding pass is issued. This accounts for over 90 percent of all travel to, from, and within the United States. TSA expects to convert all international carriers to Secure Flight by December 2010.
DHS is also on track to meet the Congressionally-mandated 100 percent screening requirement for all air cargo on domestic passenger aircraft by August 2010. As of May 1, 2010, 75 percent of cargo on passenger aircraft departing from U.S. locations was already being screened under DHS security programs, largely through the Certified Cargo Screening Program, which permits entities who have undergone rigorous inspection and certification processes throughout the air cargo supply chain to screen cargo. Currently, there are over 1.5 million shippers in TSA's Known Shipper Management System that that have been certified as meeting specific security standards. Deterring Terrorism through New, More Flexible Screening Measures
In April 2010, DHS began implementing new enhanced security measures for all air carriers with international flights to the United States to strengthen the safety and security of all passengers. These new measures utilize real-time, threat-based intelligence along with multiple layers of security, both seen and unseen, to more effectively mitigate evolving terrorist threats.
DHS analysis of passenger data played a critical role in the recent counterterrorism cases against Najibullah Zazi, who pled guilty to plotting to bomb New York subways, David Headley, who pled guilty for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, and Times Square bombing suspect Faisal Shahzad.
Strengthening Domestic Aviation Security
TSA utilizes a layered security strategy, with measures both seen and unseen, at airports across the country, with more than 50,000 Transportation Security Officers, Transportation Security Inspectors, Behavior Detection Officers, and canine teams. The Department has also made unprecedented investments in passenger screening through Advanced Technology X-Ray machines, Advanced Imaging Technology machines, bottle liquid scanners, Explosive Trace Detection machines, and other enhanced threat-detection equipment that increase the Department's ability to detect metallic and non-metallic explosives and other threats. TSA is also investing in new, state-of-the-art in-line explosives detection systems and other technology to streamline checked baggage screening at airports throughout the U.S.
In addition, DHS has strengthened partnerships across the federal government, working with the Department of Justice to enhance risk-based aviation security countermeasures and collaborating with the Department of Energy and its National Laboratories to leverage their expertise in building risk-based technology solutions to key aviation security challenges.
Further, in order to facilitate legitimate travel and effectively deploy screening and security resources, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has vetted and enrolled over 780,000 travelers from over 100 countries in four Trusted Traveler Programs (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST, and Global Entry). These programs expedite travel for members who voluntarily apply, provide biometric identification, pass extensive vetting, pay a fee, and provide comprehensive data to CBP for rigorous security threat assessment checks. Historic International Aviation Security Summits
Since the attempted terrorist attack on December 25, 2009, Secretary Napolitano, in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has been leading a global initiative to strengthen the international aviation system against the evolving threats posed by terrorists. Secretary Napolitano has participated in regional aviation security summits around the world, forging an historic consensus and signing agreements with her international colleagues in Africa, the Asia/Pacific region, the Western Hemisphere, Europe and the Middle East to strengthen the civil aviation system through enhanced information analysis and sharing, cooperation on technological development and modernized aviation security standards.
White House Statement, July 28, 2010Footnote 9
President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Colombia to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Juan Manuel Santos Calderón on August 7, 2010.
The Honorable General James L. Jones, USMC (Ret), National Security Advisor to the President, will be the head of the delegation.
Members of the Presidential Delegation: The Honorable William R. Brownfield, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia
Press Release from the Department of the Treasury, July 30, 2010Footnote 10
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced that the United States, the International Financial Institutions (IFIs), and other donors have together reached the goal of eliminating the total debt stock that Haiti owed to the IFIs at the time of the January earthquake. Today's announcement comes just six months after Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner stated his intention to work closely with partners around the world to relieve Haiti's debt. This achievement is among the fastest complete IFI debt reductions in history.
“With President Obama's signing of the FY 10 Supplemental Appropriations Act, Haiti can take another important step forward on the path to rebuilding,” said Secretary Geithner. “We are proud to stand together with our international partners at the forefront of this decisive response.”
Treasury also noted the key support of the U.S. Congress, which passed the FY 10 Supplemental Appropriations Act, providing the Administration with a contribution of up to $248 million towards an international agreement to cancel Haiti's debt at the multilateral development institutions. In addition, Secretary Geithner praised the multilateral development institutions for structuring debt relief in a manner that would unlock $318 million in grant funding for Haiti.
“This innovative proposal not only achieved full cancellation of debt, but also increased resources available for Haiti's recovery over the near and long term,” Secretary Geithner continued. The additional funding can be used to support Haiti's recovery by financing such activities as the building of schools, restoration of basic services, and boosting of agriculture and employment programs.
In particular, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), as part of the debt relief agreement, will make available $295 million in new grant flows to Haiti. Similarly, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will convert $23 million in loans to grants.
For its part, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) took the unprecedented step of creating a new facility, the Post-Catastrophe Debt Reduction (PCDR) Trust, to join international debt relief efforts for Haiti as well as to help very poor countries hit by catastrophic natural disasters in the future. The IMF fully financed the PCDR Trust using internal IMF resources.
When the earthquake struck, Haiti owed $447 million to the IDB, $51 million to IFAD, $39 million to the International Development Association (IDA), and $158 million to the IMF. On April 23, IFAD's executive directors approved a 100 percent debt relief package for Haiti.[1] On May 28, the World Bank announced the cancellation of Haiti's IDA debt.[2] On July 21, the IMF cancelled Haiti's $268 million in outstanding debt to the IMF, including the $110 million emergency loan approved immediately after the earthquake.[3] With the U.S. contribution to the IDB, the Treasury-led effort to eliminate the entirety of Haiti's pre-earthquake debt obligations to the IFIs will be fully achieved.
Statement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano, August 5, 2010Footnote 11
Secretary Napolitano. I commend the Senate for passing the Southwest Border bill to add important, permanent resources to continue bolstering security on our Southwest border. These assets are critical to bringing additional capabilities to crack down on transnational criminal organizations and reduce the illicit trafficking of people, drugs, currency and weapons. Over the past eighteen months, this Administration has dedicated unprecedented personnel, technology, and resources to the border and we will continue to take decisive action to disrupt criminal organizations and the networks they exploit. I encourage the House to act quickly on this bill to strengthen our historic border security efforts.
White House Statement, August 8, 2010Footnote 12
Statement by National Security Council Spokesman Mike Hammer on National Security Advisor Jim Jones’ visit to Colombia August 6-8
National Security Advisor General Jim Jones represented President Obama at the inauguration of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on August 7 with a clear message that the United States will continue its close bilateral ties and strong partnership with Colombia. General Jones met with President Santos and several of the new cabinet ministers and had excellent discussions underscoring our commitment to developing closer cooperation across a broad spectrum of issues. The General expressed our support for President Santos’ interest in improving Colombia's relations with its neighbors through direct dialogue based on mutual respect.
General Jones also met with outgoing President Álvaro Uribe to commend him and his government, on behalf of the United States, for his successful eight years in office and courageous leadership in bringing greater security and prosperity to the Colombian people.
Remarks by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano, August 10, 2010Footnote 13
Secretary Janet Napolitano delivered these remarks in Washington, DC
Secretary Napolitano. As part of the Obama administration's ongoing commitment to smart, effective border security, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced that the Secure Communities program has been deployed to all 25 U.S. counties along our Southwest border.
Secure Communities allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to use biometric information to identify criminal aliens in state prisons and local jails—part of the Department's focus on identifying and removing convicted criminal aliens who pose a public safety threat to American communities.
“Over the past year and a half, this administration has pursued a new border security strategy through unprecedented investments in personnel, technology and infrastructure and historic partnerships with Mexico and state and local law enforcement,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Secure Communities gives ICE the ability to work with our state and local law enforcement partners to identify criminal aliens who are already in their custody, expediting their removal and keeping our communities safer.”
The Secure Communities technology, made possible through collaboration between DHS, the Department of Justice, and state and local law enforcement agencies, enables digital fingerprints collected during the booking process to be checked against FBI criminal history records and DHS immigration records. By identifying any immigration record matches in our jails and prisons, ICE can quickly and responsibly begin removal proceedings—ultimately expediting the removal of criminal aliens from the United States without any additional cost or changes to their booking process.
“The Secure Communities initiative reflects ICE's ongoing commitment to smart, tough enforcement strategies that help ensure the apprehension of dangerous criminal aliens,” said ICE Director John Morton. “Expediting removals decreases the amount of time these individuals spend in ICE custody—saving tax payers money and strengthening public safety.”
DHS has expanded the Secure Communities initiative from 14 to 544 jurisdictions in the past 18 months, and DHS plans to expand the program to every law enforcement jurisdiction in the country by 2013. To date, the program has identified more than 262,900 aliens in jails and prisons who have been charged with or convicted of criminal offenses, including more than 39,000 charged with or convicted of major violent or drug offenses (level 1 offenses). Through Secure Communities, over 34,600 convicted criminal aliens have been removed from the United States, including more than 9,800 convicted of major violent or drug offenses (level 1 offenses). DHS continues to monitor the program's effectiveness and is committed to identifying and removing serious criminals.
Over the past 18 months, the Obama administration has dedicated unprecedented resources to the Southwest border, leading to increases in seizures of illicit narcotics, weapons, and bulk cash, as well as decreases in border crossings.
Statement by Secretary of State Clinton and Argentinean Foreign Minister Timerman, August 11, 2010Footnote 14
Secretary Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Héctor Timerman delivered this statement in Washington, DC
Secretary Clinton. [L]et me first welcome the foreign minister. I'm delighted that he could find time to come for this visit so soon in his tenure as the new foreign minister. And he is a very familiar and welcome presence here in Washington, where he previously served as ambassador. He worked at that time to strengthen and deepen the bilateral relationship between our countries. And I know that in his new position as foreign minister, he and I will be working closely together.
Our two nations have a close history of cooperation and I was delighted in March to meet with President Fernández de Kirchner and discuss a broad range of issues. And today, we built on that discussion in a very productive and constructive meeting.
I want to begin by thanking Argentina for its important contributions to peacekeeping efforts around the world, especially in Haiti. And in the wake of the terrible earthquake there, Argentina has been a vital contributor to the rebuilding and recovery efforts. Argentina and the United States cooperate closely in the fight against terrorism. Argentina, of course, has been a victim of terrorist attacks on its own soil. And we support Argentina's pursuit of justice for those tragic and deplorable acts.
We appreciate Argentina's leadership when it comes to nonproliferation, and Argentina will host one of the preparatory meetings for the next Nuclear Security Summit. We've begun to expand our relationship in the areas of science, energy, and health. And I'm pleased to announce that Argentina and the United States will host our first joint committee meeting on science cooperation in Buenos Aires this September.
And this year marks the 200th anniversary of Argentina's path to independence, so let me, on behalf of the United States, congratulate Argentina and commit to making our relationship for the next 200 years one of cooperation, partnership, and friendship.
Foreign Minister Timerman. Thank you very much, Madam. I will speak in Spanish for the Argentinean press.
First of all, I would like to express the happiness that we feel by being here in D.C., having this opportunity to meet with you, and also to have this dialogue which serves to ratify the good relationship that exists between both countries. The first time I walked into this building, it was actually to ask for political asylum, so I know the work that the U.S. has done in defense of human rights during the dictatorship in Argentina, and that is something that the people of Argentina and I myself will never forget and always appreciate.
Secretary Clinton and I then had an opportunity to discuss the situation in Latin America. We also discussed the role played by Argentina in building consensus in the region, a consensus which can serve to facilitate a peaceful end to any conflict that occurs in the region. I think that is a very important point, that it should be the region itself that should solve its own problems, any problems that arise between its sister nations. So we are pleased with the dialogue currently being held between President Santos and President Chavez, and we hope that it ends any violent situation along the border.
Also, we expressed our commitment to enhance our work in the sphere of human rights. Both countries share this very important value. We also discussed nuclear security.
We in Argentina feel that proliferation is something that must be avoided. Argentina is, in fact, a leader as far as the civilian or peaceful use of nuclear energy. We also discussed issues of discrimination and the protection of human rights. We work closely with the United States and other countries on this topic, and the U.S. Administration has shown great leadership in combating discrimination and we will continue to cooperate on that issue.
Lastly, two other issues that we discussed with Secretary Clinton: One issue is a very important one of increasing the bilateral trade between both countries. Argentina is especially interested in products such as meat and lemons. As you know, Argentina has lots of products that could be used to expand and broaden trade between both countries. Lastly, we also discussed the issue of the consultative meetings which will take place at some point before the end of this year here in D.C. The U.S. and Argentina will hold the bilateral talks on a variety of topics related to our government (inaudible) we will seek to establish guidelines for our future work.
And lastly, I just want to thank the Secretary for her kindness in welcoming me here today.
Secretary Clinton. Thank you so much.
Q. Madam Secretary, have you had a chance to speak to Mitchell about his meeting with Netanyahu? How optimistic are you that START talks will be able to start in September?
Secretary Clinton. I just received a report right before coming out, and Senator Mitchell met with Prime Minister Netanyahu for about two hours today. It was a good, productive meeting. And we continue to work closely with both sides to get to direct talks as soon as possible.
Q. Hello, Minister of Foreign Relations of Argentina, Mr. Timerman. Madam Secretary, Hillary Clinton, thank you very much for giving us this opportunity. I will ask my question in Spanish if you don't mind.
First of all, if I may, I would like to ask a question—this is for both of you regarding the conflict in Colombia and—between Colombia and Venezuela. Could you speak to the role that the countries of South America have played in achieving a peaceful resolution to this country? And as a follow-up, could you also please—both of you—comment on the role that Argentina plays in the region?
Foreign Minister Timerman. Well, as you know, yesterday there was a very important meeting held between the new president of Colombia, Mr. Santos, as well as the President of Venezuela Hugo Chávez. This was held in Santa Marta, Colombia. Present at that meeting was former president of Argentina and now the chair and president of UNASUR Nestor Kirchner, and this whole work is the fruit of the labor of all the different countries of South America through UNASUR. Excuse me.
And it is our belief that dialogue is the way to achieve this. We believe in dialogue, in giving dialogue priority in working jointly, in being—accepting toward different philosophies of government and not letting that become an impediment to a solution. And of course, above all, respect for each country's sovereignty. And we focus on peace above all as a solution. And I think the dialogue then has achieved that. As you know, even before President Santos became president, he went on a tour. He traveled to several countries, including Argentina, and he met with the president of Argentina there and that was where, in fact, the outline of this dialogue took place. And you can see the results that two days into his presidency he has held this meeting, which has achieved what we hope to be the beginning of a good relationship between both countries or the end of the bad relationship between both countries.
Secretary Clinton. Well, the United States appreciates the constructive, positive role that Argentina is playing in encouraging a peaceful resolution of the issues between Colombia and Venezuela.
And we will continue to support those efforts, as I told the minister in our meeting, and hope that this outreach by President Santos and the reception by President Chavez leads to some positive resolution of the longstanding issues.
Thank you all very much.
Foreign Minister Timerman. Thank you.
Statement by President Obama, August 12, 2010Footnote 15
President Obama. I have made securing our Southwest Border a top priority since I came to office. That is why my administration has dedicated unprecedented resources and personnel to combating the transnational criminal organizations that traffic in drugs, weapons, and money, and smuggle people across the border with Mexico. Today's action by Congress answers my call to bolster the essential work of federal law enforcement officials and improve their ability to partner with state, local, and tribal law enforcement. The resources made available through this legislation will build upon our successful efforts to protect communities along the Southwest border and across the country. And this new law will also strengthen our partnership with Mexico in targeting the gangs and criminal organizations that operate on both sides of our shared border. So these steps will make an important difference as my administration continues to work with Congress toward bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform to secure our borders, and restore responsibility and accountability to our broken immigration system.
Fact Sheet on the President's Strategic and Integrated Southwest Border Security Strategy:
The President will sign into law a comprehensive plan to secure the Southwest border, including $600 million in supplemental funds for enhanced border protection and law enforcement activities, offset by cancelling $100 million from the SBI-net program within DHS. Though not specifically provided in this bill, the President has also authorized the deployment of up to an additional, requirements-based 1,200 National Guard troops to the border, a deployment that has already begun.
The Administration has secured $600 million in supplemental funds which will be utilized to enhance technology at the border, share information and support with state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and increase DOJ and DHS presence and law enforcement activities at the border, to include increased agents, investigators, and prosecutors, as part of a multi-layered effort to target illicit networks trafficking in people, drugs, illegal weapons, and money. The supplemental is fully offset by cancelling $100 million from the SBInet program within DHS and from a temporary increase to the fraud prevention and detection fees for some employers seeking high skilled foreign workers.
Department of Homeland Security The supplemental provides $394 million for the Department of Homeland Security. The bill includes $244 million to hire new and maintain existing levels of Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection Officers, $32 million for two new unmanned aerial detection systems, $6 million for forward operating bases for Border Patrol agents, $14 million for tactical communications to support enforcement activities, and $80 million for new ICE agents and supporting investments along the border, and $8 million to train new law enforcement staff.
Department of Justice The supplemental provides $196 million for the Department of Justice to surge federal law enforcement officers in the Southwest border region and the temporary deployment of personnel to high crime areas. Location of assignments will be operationally dependent. Specifically, Justice funding would increase the presence of federal law enforcement in the Southwest border districts by adding seven (7) ATF Gunrunner Teams, five (5) FBI Hybrid Task Forces, additional DEA agents, equipment, operational support, and additional attorneys including over thirty (30) prosecutors and immigration judges. It also would provide additional funds for detention and incarceration of criminal aliens in coordination with Department of Homeland Security enforcement activities. The supplemental request would also provide funding to support Mexican law enforcement operations with ballistic analysis, DNA analysis, information sharing, technical capabilities, and technical assistance, including over twenty (20) Deputy US Marshals dedicated to the Mexican Investigative Liaison Program and the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) to address cross-border investigations.
The President has also authorized the deployment of up to an additional 1,200 National Guard troops to the border to provide intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance support; and immediate support to counternarcotics enforcement until Customs and Border Protection can recruit and train additional officers and agents to serve on the border.
The Obama Administration has dedicated an unprecedented amount of resources to securing the border and combating the flows of drugs, weapons, and cash on the borders. During the past year, since the Southwest Border Initiative was launched, the Administration has: Doubled the personnel assigned to Border Enforcement Security Task Forces by deploying additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents;
Tripled the number of ICE intelligence analysts focused on cartel violence along the Southwest border; Quintupled deployments of ICE Border Liaison Officers.
Begun screening, for the first time, 100 percent of southbound rail shipments for illegal weapons, drugs, and cash; Deployed thousands of technology assets along the Southwest Border and currently has 150 operational aerial assets along the Southwest border.
Deployed two new DEA SWB enforcement groups in El Paso and Phoenix, and added 25 new DEA intelligence analysts; Deployed two new FBI Border Corruption Task Forces in Del Rio and Houston. Added 200 new U.S. Marshal service positions including Deputy U.S. Marshals and Asset Forfeiture Criminal Investigators at the Southwest Border to increase fugitive apprehension and cross border violent crime response; to identify and seize the financial assets of the cartels; to increase court security and prisoner operations; and to investigate and mitigate security threats and improve security awareness for judiciary and other court personnel;
Surged ATF agents to Arizona to target gun trafficking to Mexico.
Hired nearly 50 additional Department of Justice (DOJ) attorneys to prosecute drug and arms trafficking and bulk cash smuggling by the Mexican cartels, and added five DOJ attorneys to focus exclusively on extradition requests from Mexico. There were 107 extraditions from Mexico to the United States in 2009, a record, compared to 12 in 2000;
Increased cooperation with U.S. and Mexican law enforcement to target money laundering and bulk-cash smuggling, including $50 million in DOJ grants to federal, state, and local law enforcement, a 120-day multifaceted ICE operation, and the hiring of a DOJ prosecutor dedicated exclusively to targeting money laundering cases in and to Mexico; Resumed DOJ asset-sharing of forfeited proceeds with the Mexican government as a result of successful bi-lateral criminal investigations; Trained 5,462 Mexican prosecutors and investigators at the state and federal level and in the executive and judicial branches, on target to reach 9,261 trained by the end of 2010; Planned the expansion of El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) to include additional staffing to collect, analyze and disseminate intelligence and support law enforcement operations against a broad array of transnational threats; and Repositioned $80 million of existing resources in the Border Security Fencing, Infrastructure, and Technology account to higher priority replacement and repair of fences to enhance physical infrastructure along the Southwest border.
These strategic initiatives are producing meaningful results. The Administration has:
Seized, through the combined efforts of CBP and ICE, more than $103 million in illegal currency, more than 1.7 million kilograms of drugs and more than 1,400 firearms—increases of more than $47 million, more than 450,000 kilograms of drugs and more than 300 firearms compared to 2008.
Seized, through the combined efforts of CBP and ICE, more than $39.2 million in southbound illegal currency—an increase of more than $29.4 million compared to 2008.
DOJ-led multi-agency law enforcement investigations (which may include DEA, FBI, ATF, ICE, CBP, and others) “Project Deliverance” resulted in more than 2,200 arrests, seizure of approximately 74 tons of drugs and $154 million in U.S. currency; “Project Coronado” resulted in the arrest of 303 individuals in 19 states and seizure of $3.4 million in U.S. currency, 729 pounds of methamphetamine, 62 kilograms of cocaine, 967 pounds of marijuana, 144 weapons and 109 vehicles; “Operation Xcellerator” resulted in the arrest of more than 750 individuals on narcotics-related charges and the seizure of more than 23 tons of narcotics and more than $59 million in cash;
Additionally, the San Diego DHS Maritime Unified Command, composed of U.S. Coast Guard, CBP, ICE, DEA and other law enforcement partners, saw a more than six-fold increase in maritime drug interdictions in the Pacific waters extending from the Southwest border—seizing 57,437 pounds of drugs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 compared to 8,884 pounds seized in FY 2008. Already in FY 2010, the Coast Guard has seized 11,500 pounds of drugs across the San Diego sector.
Statistics reflect a significant reduction in the number of people attempting to cross U.S. borders illegally. CBP statistics show that illegal immigration into the United States is down, with apprehensions between points of entry having dropped as a result.
Since 2004, the Border Patrol has doubled in size to over 20,000 Border Patrol agents.
Press Release from the Department of the Treasury, August 12, 2010Footnote 16
The Governments of the United States of America and the Federative Republic of Brazil signed a Debt-for-Nature Agreement today to reduce Brazil's debt payments to the United States by close to $21 million over the next five years. In return, the Government of Brazil has committed these funds to support grants to protect the country's tropical forests. The Agreement with Brazil was made possible by the innovative Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA) of 1998. Under the Agreement, grants will support activities to conserve protected areas, improve natural resource management, and develop sustainable livelihoods for communities that rely on forests.
Brazil is one of the most biologically rich countries on earth. Funds generated by the Agreement will help Brazil protect the Atlantic Rainforest (Mata Atlantica) as well as the Caatinga and the Cerrado ecosystems. Together, these ecosystems cover approximately 50 percent of Brazil's territory and are home to some of the world's most unique wildlife, such as Black-faced Lion Tamarins, Brazilian Gold Frogs, Blue-Bellied Parrots, and the Brazilian rosewood. The Atlantic Rainforest alone contains more than 250 species of mammals, more than 750 species of reptiles and amphibians and nearly 1,000 species of birds.
The Brazil Agreement marks the 16th initiative under the Tropical Forest Conservation Act. Previous agreements have been signed with Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Jamaica, Panama (two agreements), Paraguay, Peru (two agreements), and the Philippines. Over time, these debt-for-nature programs will together generate more than $239 million to protect tropical forests around the world.
Remarks by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano, August 25, 2010Footnote 17
Secretary Janet Napolitano delivered these remarks in Havre, Montana
Secretary Napolitano. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today visited Piegan, Sweetgrass, Sunburst and Havre, Mont., with Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Alan Bersin to tour CBP operations and meet with state and local officials, law enforcement personnel and private sector stakeholders regarding DHS’ efforts to secure the Northern border.
“We have made critical security enhancements along our Northern border, investing in additional personnel, technology, and infrastructure to meet the security and operational requirements of our post-9/11 world,” said Secretary Napolitano. “DHS is committed to working closely with our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners and the citizens of Montana to protect the border while facilitating legal trade and travel.”
Secretary Napolitano and the delegation toured CBP operations at the Piegan and Sweetgrass ports of entry to observe state-of-the-art technologies such as thermal camera systems and Mobile Surveillance Systems.
The group then traveled to Sunburst, Mont., to participate in a roundtable discussion with law enforcement regarding the Department's ongoing partnerships with federal, state, local, tribal and Canadian law enforcement agencies along the Northern border to combat transnational crime and illicit drug smuggling.
In Havre, Secretary Napolitano and the delegation participated in a town hall meeting to discuss a range of issues including partnerships with Canada on trusted-traveler programs and DHS’ efforts to increase personnel along the Northern border to strengthen security and continue to facilitate legal travel and trade. DHS expects to have more than 2,200 Border Patrol agents deployed along the Northern border by the end of 2010—a 700 percent increase since 9/11—in addition to the approximately 5,800 CBP officers already stationed in Northern border states.
Secretary Napolitano also toured the Westside Great Falls Levee District with Senators Baucus and Tester and Commissioner Bersin—reiterating the Department's commitment to working with federal, state, local and tribal officials to develop practical solutions that address flooding problems without impeding economic development.
On Thursday, Secretary Napolitano will visit Chicago to deliver remarks to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) at Fire-Rescue International 2010; visit key critical infrastructure sites; and join Chicago Mayor Richard Daley to meet with public and private sector stakeholders, law enforcement officials and first responders to discuss the Department's continued commitment to protecting our nation's transportation systems and critical infrastructure.
Press Release from the Department of Homeland Security, August 30, 2010Footnote 18
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced today that Predator Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) flights will begin out of Corpus Christi, Texas, beginning on Wednesday, Sept.1. With the deployment of an UAS in Texas, DHS unmanned aerial capabilities will now cover the Southwest Border—from the El Centro Sector in California all the way to the Gulf of Mexico in Texas—providing critical aerial surveillance assistance to personnel on the ground.
The new, border-wide use of the Predator aircraft, comes on the heels of the recently passed Southwest border security supplemental legislation, which will provide two additional UASs that will bolster these newly expanded operations.
These UAS efforts are just the latest steps in the historic approach—and unprecedented amount of resources—that the President and this Administration have directed to the southwest border since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009. Since then, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has doubled the number of personnel assigned to border enforcement security task forces; tripled the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers working along the U.S.-Mexico border; quadrupled deployments of border liaison officers; and begun screening 100 percent of southbound rail shipments for illegal weapons, drugs, and cash.
In addition, the President has authorized the deployment of an additional 1,200 National Guard troops to the border to provide intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and immediate support to counternarcotics enforcement while Customs and Border Protection recruits and trains additional officers and agents to serve on the border. The Administration is dedicating $600 million in new funding to enhance security technology at the border, share information and support with state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and increase federal law enforcement activities at the border. That effort will include the deployment of more agents, investigators, and prosecutors as part of a coordinated effort with states and cities to target illicit networks trafficking in people, drugs, illegal weapons, and money.
Among the progress achieved to date:
1—Expand Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations to cover the entire Southwest Border.
Results: On Sept. 1st, CBP will expand Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) flight operations, covering all Southwest border states and providing critical aerial surveillance assistance to personnel on the ground.
2—Dedicate historic levels of personnel to the Southwest border.
Results: The Border Patrol is better staffed than at any time in its 86-year history, having nearly doubled the number of agents from approximately 10,000 in 2004 to more than 20,000 today—including more “boots on the ground” in Arizona than ever before. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also deployed a record number of agents to the Southwest border with more than a quarter of its personnel deployed in this region, doubling the number of agents assigned to Border Enforcement Security Task Forces and tripling the number of ICE intelligence analysts working along the U.S.-Mexico border. Further, President Obama has ordered the deployment of 1,200 National Guard troops to the Southwest border to contribute additional capabilities and capacity to assist law enforcement agencies.
3—Deploy additional technology and complete fencing construction along the Southwest border.
Results: Over the past 17 months, CBP has deployed additional Z-Backscatter Van Units, Mobile Surveillance Systems, Remote Video Surveillance Systems, thermal imaging systems, radiation portal monitors, and license plate readers to the Southwest border. DHS has also completed 646.5 miles of fencing out of nearly 652 miles mandated by Congress, including 298.5 miles of vehicle barriers and 348 miles of pedestrian fence, with the remaining construction scheduled to be complete by the end of 2010.
4—Increase outbound inspections to interdict illegal weapons, drugs, and cash leaving the United States.
Results: In addition to placing an increased emphasis on screening southbound vehicle traffic, CBP began screening 100 percent of southbound rail shipments for illegal weapons, drugs, and cash—for the first time ever. These enhanced outbound inspections have yielded more than $39.2 million in southbound illegal currency—an increase of more than $29.4 million compared to 2008.
5—Increase seizures of drugs, weapons, and currency to disrupt the operations of transnational criminal organizations.
Results: In 2009, DHS seized more than $103 million in illegal currency, more than 1.7 million kilograms of drugs and more than 1,400 firearms—increases of more than $47 million, more than 450,000 kilograms of drugs and more than 300 firearms compared to 2008.
6—Deter illegal immigration through unprecedented investments in border security.
Results: Illegal border crossings have been significantly reduced, as apprehensions of illegal aliens decreased from 723,825 in FY2008 to 556,041 in FY2009, a 23 percent reduction, in part as the result of increased security along the southwest border.
7—Increase employer audits to deter violations of employment verification laws and protect American workers.
Results: Since Jan. 2009, DHS has audited more than 2,785 employers suspected of hiring illegal labor, debarred more than 100 companies and 80 individuals, and issued more than $6.4 million in fines—more than the total amount of audits and fines issued in the entire previous administration.
8—Deploy Secure Communities technology to all southwest border communities.
Results: The Obama Administration has expanded the Secure Communities initiative—which uses biometric information to identify criminal aliens in state prisons and local jails to expedite removal proceedings—from 14 to 567 locations, including all jurisdictions along the Southwest border. DHS expects to expand this program nationwide by 2013. As of July 31, 2010, this program had identified more than 287,500 aliens in jails and prisons who have been charged with or convicted of criminal offenses, including more than 43,000 charged with or convicted of major violent or drug offenses (level 1 offenses). Through Secure Communities, over 37,900 convicted criminal aliens have been removed from the United States, including more than 10,800 convicted of major violent or drug offenses (level 1 offenses).
9—Target criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety.
Results: The Obama Administration has fundamentally reformed immigration enforcement, focusing on identifying and removing criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety. Overall, criminal removals/returns increased by almost 22,000 between FY 2008 and FY 2009, a 19 percent increase. So far this fiscal year, ICE has removed a record 170,000 criminals from the U.S. DHS will continue to increase focus on removing those convicted of crimes who pose a threat to the safety of communities.
10—Boost funding for Southwest border infrastructure, technology, and law enforcement.
Results: The recent passage and signing of Southwest border security supplemental legislation will provide critical additional capabilities to secure the Southwest border at and between our ports of entry and reduce the illicit trafficking of people, drugs, currency and weapons. This law provides $14 million for improved tactical communications systems along the Southwest border and $32 million for two additional CBP unmanned aircraft systems—in addition to $176 million for an additional 1,000 Border Patrol agents to be deployed between ports of entry; $68 million to hire 250 new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at ports of entry and to maintain 270 officers currently deployed to ports of entry; and $6 million to construct two forward operating bases along the Southwest Border to improve coordination of border security activities. DHS and the General Services Administration (GSA) are also directing more than $400 million in Recovery Act funding to the Southwest border, including funds for: Port and other infrastructure projects in Otay Mesa, California; Antelope Wells, New Mexico; Los Ebanos, Amistad Dam, Falcon Dam and Corpus Christi, Texas; and Nogales, Arizona. Non-Intrusive Inspection Equipment at Southwest border ports of entry, including both low energy and large-scale systems; Modernized tactical communications equipment for the El Paso and Rio Grande Valley Sectors; and Tested, commercially available security technology including thermal imaging devices, ultra-light detection, backscatter units, mobile radios, cameras and laptops for pursuit vehicles, and Remote Video Surveillance System enhancements. Further, DHS has increased the funds state and local law enforcement can use to combat border-related crime through Operation Stonegarden—a DHS grant program designed to support state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts along our nation's borders. Based on risk, cross-border traffic and border-related threat intelligence, nearly 83 percent of 2009 and 2010 Operation Stonegarden funds—more than 124 million dollars—went to Southwest border states, up from 59 percent in 2008.
White House Statement, September 16, 2010Footnote 19
Today, President Obama met in the Oval Office with U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and U.S. Representatives Nydia Velazquez and Luis Gutierrez. The President reiterated his commitment to working in a bipartisan manner to pass comprehensive immigration reform. This reform must provide lasting and dedicated resources for border security, while also requiring accountability from both individuals in the U.S. illegally and unscrupulous employers who game the system for their own economic advantage.
The President expressed his support for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's efforts to move forward on the DREAM Act in the coming weeks, a bipartisan bill that the President cosponsored when he served in the Senate. The President noted that it is time to stop punishing innocent young people for the actions of their parents, especially when those youth grew up in America and want to serve this country in the military or pursue a higher education they have earned through academic excellence.
Senator Menendez discussed the comprehensive immigration reform bill that he plans to introduce in the coming weeks. The President told Senator Menendez that he looks forward to reviewing the bill, noting that he strongly supported the proposal that Senate Democrats outlined earlier this year. The President reiterated that the strength of that proposal was that it was based on the bipartisan framework developed by Senators Schumer and Graham.
Remarks by President Obama and Colombian President Santos, September 24, 2010Footnote 20
President Barack Obama and President Juan Manuel Santos Calderón delivered these remarks in New York, NY
President Obama. Well, I want to welcome President Santos here. This is the first time that we've met face to face, although we had a wonderful conversation on the phone.
He has already, I think, in the short time that he's been in office shown remarkable leadership. Yesterday was a big day for the people of Colombia and those who are seeking peace in the region; because of outstanding work by Colombian security forces, they were able to embark on a mission that resulted in the death of the leader of FARC.
The people of Colombia have been plagued by this terrorist insurgency for a very long time, and as a consequence of the success of Colombian security forces, I think we now have the chance to see continued stability in Colombia and in the region. And that will create the prospects for peace and development under President Santos's leadership. So I congratulate him.
The friendship between our two countries is extraordinarily important to us. We are working not just in dealing with things like drug interdiction, but we're also interested in figuring out how we can continually improve our economic cooperation, our political cooperation, and our people-to-people exchanges so that we continually deepen these bilateral ties.
I think that President Santos also likes to boast about the fact that his Kansas Jayhawks have won a number of championships in basketball. And I was a little disappointed with them last year because I bet on them winning it all, but they lost. But he's already apologized to me for that.
So I want to welcome the President. Again, congratulations on a great start. We are confident that we will—we'll be able to strengthen the cooperation between our two nations.
President Santos. Thank you. I want to thank President Obama for his warm welcome and his generous words. We value in Colombia very much our very special relations with the United States. We're coming, ourselves, into a new era. Now that the security problem is more or less solved, we can now turn to a more progressive agenda. Social development, the prosperity of our people, climate change, the environment—those are the type of issues that we can now include in our agenda. And we want to enhance our relation to a true partnership where Colombia and the U.S. can work together in the region and outside the region for our mutual benefit.
I am proud of being a graduate from the University of Kansas. As President Obama knows, we are very good in basketball. But I told him when he called me what the Republicans say about my education. I was—afterwards I went to Harvard. And they say I was educated in Kansas and corrupted in Harvard. I don't think that—you also graduated from Harvard and I'm sure that only the Republicans think that—not the Democrats.
President Obama. Well, actually, they all—they think I was corrupted somewhere.
Welcome. Thank you so much.
Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton and Salvadoran President Funes, September 29, 2010Footnote 21
Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Mauricio Funes delivered these remarks in Washington, D.C.
Secretary Clinton. Good afternoon. It is a great honor to welcome President Funes to the Department of State today. I was honored to represent President Obama and the United States at his inauguration. And I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss many matters of importance to El Salvador and the United States with the President.
The United States is committed to assisting El Salvador to deal with the challenges it faces in terms of security and economic growth. As part of that commitment, last week at the United Nations, Foreign Minister Martinez represented El Salvador as we launched the BRIDGE initiative, which stands for Building Remittance Investment for Development, Growth and Entrepreneurship.
And Mr. President, we are very pleased that our ambassador has finally arrived in El Salvador so that we can get to work on all of the issues that we have discussed today. And I look forward to deepening and broadening our partnership in the months ahead.
President Funes. Thank you, friends of the media, Madam Secretary, officers of my government, we are pleased of being here in sharing the issues that are common to all of us, but also sharing the solutions to those issues. Since the beginning of my government 16 months ago, I said that the problems of my country are shared with Central America and we are going to be able to overcome them only with the support of the U.S. Government. That is why we have identified two strategies. One is to reduce the actions of organized crime and the other one is to reduce poverty.
So I am pleased that with the meeting, after listening to Madam Secretary, that we're going to put together a task force together with all the Central American countries and start a work plan to attack these two issues.
And I'd also like to thank personally Madam Secretary and the support of Mr. Obama's Administration for the—18 months more of the TPS that is going to promote all the 200,000 Salvadorans that live and work in the United States. And I've also—I also want to thank the support with this special fund that is going to bring fresh sources for investors from money coming from the remittances that are sent to our country.
And of course, we are also pleased of the appointment of (inaudible) Mari Carmen Aponte that finally arrived to our country as an Ambassador of the United States.
Secretary Clinton. Thank you, sir.
President Funes. Thank you.
Secretary Clinton. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you.
Thank you all very much.
Statement by Secretary of State Clinton, September 30, 2010Footnote 22
Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, D.C.
Secretary Clinton. We are closely following events in Ecuador. The United States deplores violence and lawlessness and we express our full support for President Rafael Correa, and the institutions of democratic government in that country.
We urge all Ecuadorians to come together and to work within the framework of Ecuador's democratic institutions to reach a rapid and peaceful restoration of order.
