For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
MEXICO CITY— Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson was in Mexico City today and yesterday, where he met with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, Secretary of Interior Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong, and Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu, to discuss our shared security and commercial interests.
Today, Secretary Johnson met with Mexican Secretary of Finance and Public Credit Luis Videgaray Caso to sign a memorandum of understanding formalizing the U.S.-Mexico Cargo Pre-Inspection Program. The Cargo Pre-Inspection Program, a deliverable of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue and the 21st Century Border Management Initiative, allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Mexican Customs officers to work side-by-side to facilitate the rapid, secure flow of goods across our shared border, enhancing the economic competitiveness of both countries.
“The Cargo Pre-Inspection Program reaffirms our shared commitment to promote the economic growth and prosperity essential to both of our nations while keeping both of our countries safe,” said Secretary Johnson. "We will continue to work with our Mexican counterparts to develop innovative programs which increase security, expedite trade flows, and better leverage border infrastructure. Fostering the conditions that improve citizens’ security and support cross-border business remains a critical part of our bilateral relationship.”
DHS worked in close coordination with the Mexican Ministry of Finance and Public Credit to develop the Cargo Pre-Inspection Program, which will formally begin operations at the Laredo International Airport in Laredo, Texas and the Mesa de Otay Customs Facility in Baja California, Mexico this year. A third site is planned for San Jerónimo, Chihuahua. The Program will help the United States and Mexico continue to build on the existing commercial relationship that generates more than $500 billion in trade in goods and services annually and supports millions of jobs in both countries.
The United States and Mexico will continue efforts to facilitate lawful trade, while maintaining the highest standards of security and combating transnational crime. Last year, Secretary Johnson and Secretary Videgaray signed the Declaration of Principles Concerning Bilateral Strategic Plan Initiatives, which provides a guiding framework under which both nations can discuss and implement binational programs and initiatives related to customs, trade facilitation, and the sharing of information.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Mexican Secretary of Finance and Public Credit Luis Videgaray Caso deliver remarks prior to signing a memorandum of understanding formalizing the U.S.-Mexico Cargo Pre-Inspection Program. (DHS Photo/Barry Bahler)
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