MCALLEN, Texas - Five members of Congress, including two from South Texas, have sent a bipartisan letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing concern about the safety of American citizens in northern Mexico.
The five - Reps. Vicente Gonzalez, Henry Cuellar, Dan Crenshaw, Brian Babin and Jared Golden - point to reports of a recent street shooting on the morning of Saturday, September 9, 2023, in Miguel Aléman, Tamaulipas. Several people were injured, they say, including American citizens.
“We must put cartels on notice that anyone who commits crimes against American citizens across the border in Mexico — or anywhere else in the world — will be extradited and held responsible under the American judicial system and that justice will be served,” said Congressman Gonzalez.
“Drug-related violence and crime perpetrated by Mexican drug cartels continue to pose a danger to our citizens, especially those who frequently travel between the U.S. and Mexico for personal or business reasons. It's become apparent that the Government of Mexico is unable to hold criminals accountable, which is why our federal government must act accordingly to investigate and prosecute crimes against American citizens.”
Here is a copy of the letter:
The Honorable Merrick Garland
Attorney General of the United States U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW Washington, D.C. 20530
Dear Attorney General Garland:
September 26, 2023
We write today to once again shed light on and express our great concern with the violence affecting United States citizens in Mexico.
As you may know, we have once again experienced violence against U.S. citizens in recent days. The most recent violence occurred on September 9, 2023, in the town of Miguel Alemán, Tamaulipas, Mexico, across the border from Texas.
This violent shooting resulted in the injuries of at least four U.S. citizens. In light of this most recent tragic incident and increased attacks on American citizens in Mexico, we urge the U.S. Department of Justice to intervene. Furthermore, on March 7, 2023, we learned of another incident that resulted in the deaths of two of four U.S. citizens who were assaulted and kidnapped in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. These incidents are not isolated to any one region in the country.
Many of us have constituents who frequently travel to Mexico on vacation, business, or to simply visit family and friends. The ongoing violence by cartels across our Southern border and the risks posed to American citizens is unacceptable and must end.
Recently, we have seen an increase in the spread of violence across the Southern border affecting Americans. The Government of Mexico has demonstrated an unwillingness to do more. It is time that we - under no uncertain terms - put Mexican cartels on notice and ensure that any attack on American citizens or businesses in Mexico is thoroughly investigated. The perpetrators and leaders of these organizations must be extradited, prosecuted, and brought to justice in the United States. We should continue to try and work with Mexico when we can. We encourage the Department of Justice to pursue justice for the American people and the protection of our own citizens no matter the location.
We have a duty to protect the safety and security of Americans, regardless of where they are in the world. Many of us in Congress stand ready to help and ensure the necessary resources are available. The time to act and do more is now.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue. We look forward to your timely response.
Sincerely,
Vicente Gonzalez
Member of Congress
Dan Crenshaw
Member of Congress
Brian Babin
Member of Congress
Henry Cuellar
Member of Congress
Jared Golden
Member of Congress
