WASHINGTON — The Obama administration said Tuesday it is speeding hundreds of federal agents and intelligence analysts to the Mexican border, along with specialized technology, as part of an ambitious new plan to attack the powerful drug cartels and prevent violence from spilling into the United States.
The initiative represents the most determined U.S. effort in years to counter the powerful and dangerous cartels and assist Mexican President Felipe Calderon in a battle that has already claimed more than 7,000 lives in Mexico over the last 15 months.
The administration will spend $700 million this year and more in the future on a wide variety of bilateral security programs, including improving cross-border interdiction efforts, upgrading intelligence-gathering methods and establishing corruption-resistant police agencies and courts.
The White House also pledged to redouble its efforts to diminish the demand for illegal drugs in the United States and staunch the flow of weapons and laundered money into Mexico, two issues that have prompted criticism that Washington wasn't doing its part in the fight.
To lend urgency to the plan, the administration is requiring that an array of federal agencies work together as well as with state and local counterparts and with agencies in Mexico.
"This issue requires immediate action," said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. "We are guided by two very clear objectives. First, we are going to do everything we can to prevent the violence in Mexico from spilling over across the border. And second, we will do all in our power to help President Calderon crack down on these drug cartels in Mexico."
Despite its scale, the Obama administration plan was seen by many in Mexico and by state officials in California and Texas as inadequate to the scope of the crisis. The administration is relying heavily on existing funds and personnel redeployments where critics say new money and manpower are needed. "We believe it is a positive move in the right direction and it demonstrates that President Obama is seized with how important the bilateral relationship is with Mexico and in ensuring that security prevails at the border," said Ricardo Alday, spokesman for the Mexican Embassy in Washington.