This past month, there were a number of developments indicating that immigration issues are causing tension between the US and Mexico. U.S. Border Patrol officers tie much of the stress to the increasing use of violence. In the past few weeks, four unarmed, undocumented immigrants have been shot, two fatally. A third was seriously wounded. The Border Patrol officers claim the victims were throwing stones or rushing at them in cars. Border Patrol agents have also been killed, one shot fatally earlier this year by drug smugglers illegally crossing the border.

A number of Mexican government and human rights officials have expresses shock and concern about the sudden increase in violence. Earlier this month, for example, a number of human rights experts from Mexico toured the Chicago area to investigate INS detention procedures. This is believed to be the first Mexican delegation to visit the United States on a human rights investigation. The delegation consisted of six representatives of some of the largest human rights organizations in Mexico. The delegation's report is expected to be released before the end of the year.

The Chicago INS appears to be concerned about the accusations of human rights abuses. Shortly before publication time, the INS announced that it would notify the Mexican Consulate in Chicago of planned INS raids. Chicago-are detainees would then have the right to phone the consulate or a lawyer before they are processed for possible deportation.

Mexican government officials are also calling for an investigation of human rights abuses, particularly alleged violations by the Border Patrol. Some specifically point to the doubling of the size of the Border Patrol in a few years as a sign that two many agents are being hired to ensure adequate training.

The Mexican Consular General in San Diego called for a thorough investigation of the shootings and warned that the violence on the border threatens to sour US-Mexican relations. detainees will have the right to call the consulate and their lawyers.