WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus was in Mexico City, Mexico to meet with Mexican government, law enforcement, and customs agencies to further collaboration between the United States and Mexico on bilateral opportunities and challenges, including in efforts related to migration management.
“Mexico is one of CBP’s strongest partners, and we value their willingness to discuss the opportunities and challenges both of our countries face for border security, trade, and travel,” said Commissioner Magnus. “We can’t fully protect our borders without Mexico’s assistance, and this trip to visit with our partners continues that close collaboration.”
On Tuesday, March 22, Commissioner Magnus participated in meetings with Mexico’s Secretaría de Marina, and was joined by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar for meetings with Chief Officer for North America Robert Valesquez Alvarez and Southern Border Advisor Julio Cesar Sanchez Amaya of Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Relations. During these meetings, Commissioner Magnus reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between the two countries in joint efforts to protect our borders and commitment to work together on issues of national interest, including improved cooperation in the sea environment.
Commissioner Magnus met with the National Customs Agency of Mexico Administrator General Horacio Duarte Olivares to express enthusiasm for the newly created customs agency.
Mexican Customs has been one of CBP’s strongest and key partners within the government of Mexico and CBP looks forward to efforts in which we can advance that partnership. Reaffirming the close relationship between CBP and Mexican Customs, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding outlining joint priority objectives in which our agencies seek to continue and expand collaboration, including in the areas of security and enforcement, trade facilitation, infrastructure improvements at border ports of entry, and cooperation with regional partners.
Commissioner Magnus also with Mexico’s National Migration Institute leadership to discuss regional migration flows, current capacity building, and technical assistance efforts. The commissioner expressed gratitude for INM’s efforts to address irregular migration in the region.
On Wednesday, March 23, Commissioner Magnus met with Mexico’s Attorney General of the Republic’s Specialized Prosecutor for Organized Crime Office and Mexico’s Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection on Wednesday to discuss U.S.-Mexico operations to combat human smuggling, transnational criminal organizations, weapons smuggling, and other illicit border activity. Commissioner Magnus also met with the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense to discuss mutual opportunities and challenges regarding border security in the land and air environment.