Pubdate: Wed, 09 May 2007
Source: Las Cruces Sun-News (NM)
Copyright: 2007 Las Cruces Sun-News
Contact:  http://www.lcsun-news.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/674

GOVERNOR ORDERS ADDITIONAL STATE POLICE TO BORDER

Gov. Bill Richardson today ordered the New Mexico State Police to 
increase its presence along the U.S. border with Mexico following 
several killings that have claimed the lives of at least six people 
in the Mexico town of Palomas, just across from Columbus. The 
violence during the past two weeks appears to be part of a drug war 
that has escalated on the Mexican side of the border, according to 
law enforcement officials.

As a result, the state police have indefinitely increased patrols in 
and around Columbus. State police officers are also working with U.S. 
Customs agents to form a roadblock in the town of Columbus to check 
every vehicle going back into Palomas. The road block will continue 
for several days.

"The violence is escalating and I want to ensure that we are doing 
everything possible to keep New Mexicans in this community safe," 
Richardson said.

While all of the violence has occurred in and around Palomas, some of 
the victims and perpetrators have fled to Columbus for medical 
attention, the governor's office said.
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