Southern Border Security in Question After Iraqis Stopped From Entering U.S.

The arrest of four Iraquis with false passports attempting to enter the United States from Mexico highlighted the concern for border security as law enforcement officials from Mexico and the United States met to discuss the issue in Mexico City. The topics of discussion were border security and the illegal trafficking of drugs and people across the countries’ common border.

Among those attending the meetings were U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, President Vicente Fox, foreign minister Luis Ernesto Derbez, and Mexican Attorney General Rafael Acedo de la Concha.

According to a National Migration Institute spokesperson, the four Iraqis were arrested as they arrived at Mexicali’s airport in northwestern Mexico.

Before the arrest was announced, Washington officials said the United States government will use 500 additional border patrol agents and increased aerial support to monitor the country’s borders.