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2010 Press Releases

Press Releases 2010

  • Ambassador launches Jóvenes en Acción (19 July 2010 )

    U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Carlos Pascual is pleased to announce the launch of a new bi-national public-private partnership youth exchange program called “Jóvenes en Acción”.  

  • Uganda Bombings - Statement by Mike Hammer, NSC Spokesman, July 11:

    “The president is deeply saddened by the loss of life resulting from these deplorable and cowardly attacks, and sends his condolences to the people of Uganda and the loved ones of those who have been killed or injured. The United States is ready to provide any assistance requested by the Ugandan government.” 

  • Statement By Secretary Clinton - Bombings in Uganda

    "I join President Obama in strongly condemning today's attacks in Kampala.." 

  • U.S. Embassy Announces Scholarships for 68 Young Mexican Students, Teachers and Technical Advisors in Education (8 July, 2010 )

    During a ceremony presided over by Ambassador Pascual and Secretary of Education Alonso Lujambio, 68 students, teachers, and technical advisors from rural/indigenous communities from the states of Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Mexico City, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, State of Mexico, Veracruz, and Yucatan were awarded scholarships to study in the United States.  

  • Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Carlos Pascual At the Commemoration of the 234th Anniversary Of the Independence of the United States of America

    United States of America "Today we celebrate – Mexico and the United States – as brothers. In my country we commemorate a revolution that made the United States independent. With that independence we gained the right to determine our future as a nation, and as a people. On this birthday of 234 years, we give thanks for the gift of freedom." 

  • U.S. Donates Water Pumps to Assist in Cleanup Efforts in Matamoros (July 2, 2010)
    U.S. Donates Water Pumps to Assist in Cleanup Efforts in Matamoros (July 2, 2010)

    In response to the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Alex in the city of Matamoros, the United States government has donated a 23,000 gallon-per-hour water pump for use in the cleanup efforts in the neighborhoods most affected by the flooding.  

  • President Obama to Deliver Immigration Policy Address at New School of International Service

    President Barack Obama will deliver an address on comprehensive immigration reform at American University, Thursday, July 1 at 10:45 a.m. The event, which is by White House invitation only, will take place in the atrium of the new School of International Service building. to watch live stream you can click here or you can go to: whitehouse.gov/live. 

  • Readout of Administration Officials’ Meeting with Governor Brewer and Fact Sheet

    A federal delegation led by John Brennan, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, met with Governor Jan Brewer and her staff in Phoenix this afternoon to detail how additional resources and additional National Guard troops will be deployed in Arizona to complement the unprecedented resources and efforts already devoted by this Administration to securing the Southwest Border. 

  • Mexico Four People Drown Crossing the Border Illegally

    We are aware of several media reports indicating the drowning of 4 persons who attempted to illegally enter into the United States near Hidalgo, Mexico. We regret any loss of life on the border. However, we categorically reject the incorrect assertions we have seen in the press that U.S. Border Patrol agents “forced” the intending migrants to swim back to Mexico, thereby causing the loss of life by drowning.  

  • Financial Inclusion: Freedom to Grow

    In her speech in Quito on June 8, United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton noted that the United States is working together with our partners on "secured transaction reform." The concept is to modify laws to allow businesses to use non-real estate assets as collateral on loans. Why is secured transaction reform important enough for Secretary Clinton to mention it in a speech? 

  • Joint Media Note From The Governements of The United States of America and The United States of Mexico

    Announcing Our Mutual Intention to Negotiate an Agreement Governing the Disposition and Regulation of Hydrocarbon Reservoirs That Cross Our International Maritime Boundary Following on the Joint Statement adopted by Presidents Obama and Calderon at the conclusion of President Calderon’s State Visit to Washington on May 19, 2010, today, the Governments of the United States and Mexico jointly announce their intention to negotiate an agreement governing the disposition and regulation of hydrocarbon reservoirs that cross our international maritime boundary. 

  • Secretary Clinton’s Letter on Trafficking in Persons Report 2010 (14 June, 2010)

    “This year’s report highlights several key trends, including the suffering of women and children in involuntary domestic servitude, the challenges and successes in identifying and protecting victims, and the need to include anti-trafficking policies in our response to natural disasters, as was evident in the aftermath of this year’s earthquake in Haiti.” Introduction to the Trafficking in Persons Report 2010 »

  • 49th U.S.-Mexico Inter-Parliamentary Group - U.S. Delegation Statement (11 June, 2010)

    “The U.S. delegation to the 49th U.S.-Mexico Inter-Parliamentary Group expresses its profound condolences for the tragic deaths of Anastasio Hernandez Rojas and Sergio Adrian Hernandez in the recent incidents along our shared border. Investigations are currently ongoing into these matters, and we must not pre-judge their outcome. These incidents, like many before along our border, underscore the need for the U.S. and Mexico to continue to cooperate, to see that the full story comes to light, justice is served, and that safeguards are put in place to help avoid such tragedies in the future.” 

  • Statement From NSC Spokesman Mike Hammer:

    We deeply regret the death of Sergio Adrián Hernández in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's El Paso Sector on June 8. The U.S. Government takes such incidents very seriously, and Federal authorities have begun a thorough investigation of the circumstances that led to his death. The men and women who secure our border work in a difficult and frequently dangerous environment. We ask a great deal of them. We honor their service. We also hold them to high standards of conduct. The President has been briefed on the situation. 

  • "Project Deliverance" Results in More Than 2,200 Arrests During 22-month Operation, Seizures of Approximately 74 Tons of Drugs and $154 Million in U.s. Currency

    Attorney General Eric Holder today announced the arrest of more than 2,200 individuals on narcotics-related charges in the United States and the seizure of more than 74.1 tons of illegal drugs as part of a 22-month multi-agency law enforcement investigation known as “Project Deliverance.” The Attorney General was joined in announcing the current results of Project Deliverance by Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Assistant Director Kevin L. Perkins of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Assistant Secretary John Morton of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

  • Treasury Targets International Narcotics Trafficking Network Linked To La Familia Michoacana

    The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated two individuals and two entities linked to the international drug trafficking organization La Familia Michoacana as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers (SDNTs).  

  • Assistant Secretary John Morton to be Keynote Speaker at Joint Conference on Bulk Cash Smuggling (3 June, 2010)

    Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) John Morton presented to a joint U.S.-Mexico working group the results of a study on the proceeds of organized criminal activity and money laundering at a conference held in Mexico City on June 2 and 3. 

  • Increase of Non-Immigrant Visa Application Fees Effective June 4, 2010

    The U.S. Department of State has announced a world-wide increase in the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, also called the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee, and Border Crossing Card (BCC) fee, effective June 4, 2010. 

  • Extradition of Mario Villanueva, Another Display of Expanding U.S.-Mexico Legal Cooperation: Ambassador Pascual (10 May, 2010)

    The United States and Mexico successfully extradited on May 8 a key figure in the international illegal narcotics trade, Mario Villanueva Madrid to face justice in a federal court on charges of conspiracy to launder proceeds of drug trafficking and proceeds of bribery of foreign public officials. Villanueva also faces charges of conspiracy to import and distribute narcotics in the U.S. 

  • Ambassador Pascual kicks off simultaneous concert that closes academic year of Cultural Exchanges program (6 May, 2010)

    New York-based jazz musician Miguel Zenon performed at the Julio Castillo Theater before hundreds of Mexico City high school students while Mexican harpist Celso Duarte played at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall before New York students. Both performances were shared through videoconference.  

  • Treasury designates Guatemalan drug lords allied with the Sinaloa cartel as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers (27 April, 2010)

    Due to his significant role in international narcotics trafficking and his ties to the Sinaloa Cartel the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated Waldemar Lorenzana Lima, one of Guatemala’s most wanted drug traffickers, as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker (SDNT) pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act). 

  • Transcript of interview by Andrea Mitchell with Secretary Of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano (27 April, 2010)

    “…But let me say what I said when the bill was signed; that I thought it was unfortunate and misguided; that I think it will not be value-added to law enforcement, indeed, it will detract from some of the efforts that are already under way to really focus on the most serious offenders, the most serious criminals, the ones that not only have crossed the border illegally but are committing other crimes.” 

  • Excerpts of deposition by Secretary Of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano at the Senate hearing of April 27, 2010

    “…I think your observation bears repeating, and that is by helping Mexico, we help ourselves, and that particularly our assistance through Merida and other means in this issue on the cartels helps us. These cartels impact us, and that's why we view them as a -- as a homeland-security issue.” 

  • President Obama’s Remarks at Summit on Entrepreneurship

    THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Everybody, please have a seat. Good evening, everyone, and welcome to Washington. In my life, and as President, I have had the great pleasure of visiting many of your countries, and I’ve always been grateful for the warmth and the hospitality that you and your fellow citizens have shown me. And tonight, I appreciate the opportunity to return the hospitality. 

  • Remarks by the President at Naturalization Ceremony for Active-Duty Service Members

    Over the years, many have attempted to confront the challenges of illegal immigration in the United States. It has become a politically divisive issue. But we should agree that when 11 million people in the United States are living there illegally, outside the system, it is an unacceptable situation. The American people demand and deserve a solution. That solution is common-sense, comprehensive immigration reform grounded in the principles of responsibility and accountability. 

  • Help us celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day! ( 20 April, 2010)
    Help us celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day! ( 20 April, 2010)

    Forty years ago, Earth Day began in the United States as a “teach-in” – a day to educate people about the environmental challenges facing our planet. Today, we know more than ever about the challenges of preserving our environment – from clean water to climate change – and Earth Day has evolved into a call for sustainable solutions and local action all over the world. 

  • Remarks by the First Lady at Youth Forum -- Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico

    MRS. OBAMA: Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.) Good afternoon, and thank you so much. Thank you, Jaime, for that very kind and profound introduction. It is such a pleasure and an honor to be in this beautiful country, at this great university, with so many outstanding young people from all across Mexico. 

  • Trilateral Announcement Between Mexico, the United States, and Canada on Nuclear Security

    At the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., Mexico, the United States, and Canada reached agreement to work together, along with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to convert the fuel in Mexico’s research reactor. President Calderon expressed "the strong commitment of Mexico to prevent and suppress nuclear terrorism 

  • Mexico and the United States Review a Broad Transportation Relationship

    Secretary of Communications and Transportation Juan Molinar Horcasitas and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood met Monday, April 12 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to discuss the broad range of transportation issues of fundamental economic interest to both countries. 

  • U.S. Consulate General Nuevo Laredo - Warden Message

    At approximately 11 pm the night of April 9, an explosive device was thrown over the fence of the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo. There were no injuries, but windows were damaged. Authorities are investigating the explosion. The Consulate General and the Consular Agency in Piedras Negras will be closed to the public on Monday, April 12. The Consulate General and Consular Agency will reopen when we are confident that we have adequate security to keep our visitors safe.  

  • Treasury Targets Perpetrators of Mexican Drug Trafficking Violence Tied to Los Zetas and the Gulf Cartel (24 March, 2010)

    On the heels of Tuesday's U.S.-Mexico Merida High Level Consultative Group meeting in Mexico City, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated 54 Mexican principal lieutenants and enforcers for Mexico's Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas – groups that are responsible for much of the current bloodshed in Mexico –as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act).  

  • Statement by the President Praising the Bipartisan Immigration Reform Framework

    In June, I met with members of both parties, and assigned Secretary Napolitano to work with them and key constituencies around the country to craft a comprehensive approach that will finally fix our broken immigration system. I am pleased to see that Senators Schumer and Graham have produced a promising, bipartisan framework which can and should be the basis for moving forward. 

  • Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of President Calderon of Mexico to the White House

    The United States and Mexico are linked by geography, history, familial, cultural, economic, and security ties. In recognition of these deep ties and the strong relationship President Obama has forged with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, President Obama and the First Lady will host President Calderon and Mrs. Margarita Zavala de Calderon in the White House for a State Dinner on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. 

  • Secretary Clinton Leads Cabinet-Level Delegation to Mexico

    Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will travel to Mexico City, Mexico for the Merida U.S.-Mexico High Level Consultative Group meeting on March 23, 2010. The Secretary will be joined by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates; Secretary of Homeland Security Janet A. Napolitano; Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair; Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John O. Brennan..... 

  • Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Carlos Pascual during his visit to the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez (16 March, 2010)

    I regret that it is a sad and tragic occasion that has brought us to Ciudad Juarez today. The murders last weekend of three close friends and colleagues in the U.S. Mission community are more than tragic. They are shocking. All members of the U.S. Mission in Mexico and I are keeping all of our colleagues and friends at the Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez in our thoughts and prayers. And we are doing everything possible to support them in this time of need. 

  • Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Carlos Pascual on the March 13 Killings of U.S. Consulate Staff in Ciudad Juarez (14 March, 2010)

    The entire United States Mission in Mexico is shocked and grief-stricken by the horrendous murders of three members of our official family from the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez, on March 13. Those slain included an American citizen employee of the Consulate General and her U.S. citizen husband as well as the husband of a Mexican citizen employed there. 

  • Ex-Im Bank, Banobras Sign Memorandum to Support up to $1 Billion in U.S. Exports to Back Mexico’s Infrastructure Development (25 February, 2010)

    The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) and the National Development Bank for Public Works and Services (Banobras) of Mexico today signed a memorandum of agreement for Ex-Im Bank to provide up to $1 billion in financing for Mexico’s National Infrastructure Program (NIP). 

  • Treasury Sanctions La Familia Michoacana Leadership

    The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated seven key leaders of the international drug trafficking organization La Familia Michoacana (La Familia) as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers (SDNTs).  

  • Mexico Extradites Another Key Player in Organized Crime (18 February, 2010)

    Vicente Zambada-Niebla, aka “El Vicentillo,” was extradited from Mexico to the United States today to face U.S. criminal charges related to narcotrafficking. 

  • Carnegie Hall and Mexico City’s Centro Cultural del Bosque Host Simultaneous Concert under Department of State and Carnegie Hall’s Cultural Exchange Program (25 January, 2010)

    On January 26, the first of two simultaneous concerts at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall and the Mexican Institute of Fine Arts’ Julio Castillo Theater in Centro Cultural del Bosque will take place.  

  • Ambassador Pascual Calls for Support for Haitian People (15 January 2010)

    "On behalf of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Mexico I wish to extend my condolences, sympathy and support for the people of Haiti. I have been moved by the tremendous commitment of the government of Mexico to support the relief operations in Haiti. I also express my gratitude to President Calderon and the Mexican people for the outpouring of support for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. The funds and supplies rolling in to donation centers across this country reflect the solidarity and generosity of all Mexicans.  

  • Mexico Marks another Success against Drug Cartels (12 January, 2010)

    On behalf of the United States Government, Ambassador Carlos Pascual congratulates the Calderon Administration, SSP Secretary Garcia Luna, and other federal and Baja California State authorities on the capture of Eduardo Teodoro “El Teo” Garcia Simental, one of the most brutal drug traffickers in recent Mexican history. 

  • Ambassador Pascual Expresses His Condolences to the Family of Carlos Rico Ferret (6 January, 2010)

    “On behalf of the United States and the U.S. Mission in Mexico, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Ambassador Carlos Rico Ferrat, one of Mexico’s most distinguished diplomats.