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U.S., MEXICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS DISCUSS BORDER ISSUES
On January 15, 1999, a meeting was held between U.S. and Mexican officials to discuss border issues. Among the most important topics discussed was the rising number of deaths along the border in the wake of U.S. efforts to tighten enforcement. The INS says 254 migrants died during 1998 attempting to cross the border, with most dying from drowning and heat exposure.
The U.S. delegation was headed by Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder, and the Mexican delegation by Juan Rebolledo Gout, the Undersecretary of Foreign Affiars for North American and Europe. INS Commissioner Doris Meissner was also present. 
Both sides agreed that rising violence and accidental deaths at the border are significant problems. They agree to try to improve safety by increasing prevention and exchanges of information. The U.S. agreed to increase efforts at providing education to emigrants about the heat and exposure related dangers along the border. They also discussed the possibility of conducting joint investigations of certain incidents, as well as issuing a Memorandum of Understanding regarding law enforcement procedures to ensure better protection of human rights.
Later this winter, FBI Director Louis Freeh will go to Mexico City to meet with Attorney General Jorge Madrazo Cuellar in an effort to further the increasingly cooperative relationship between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement officials. Another area to be discussed is extradition of U.S. fugitives from Mexico.