Capito Visits Mexico to Meet with President López Obrador, Urge Cooperation on Mutual Security Challenges
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This afternoon, a congressional delegation (CODEL), including U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), returned to the U.S. after meeting with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and visiting intelligence, drug enforcement, and government officials in Mexico. The CODEL was led by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas).
During the trip, the delegation received briefings from U.S. intelligence officials, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar on the United States’ security posture with regards to Mexico, recent killings of Americans in the country, efforts to stop drug trafficking, and illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. The delegation shared their concerns with Mexico’s handling of these issues with President López Obrador and members of his administration.
“As a neighbor and as the top destination for U.S. travelers, Mexico’s security and stability has major implications for our own safety and prosperity,” Senator Capito said. “The chaos at our southern border, fentanyl’s devastating impacts on American communities, and the violence and trafficking perpetrated by Mexican cartels are some of the top concerns for West Virginians and Americans across our country. I was pleased to join a bipartisan delegation in addressing these critical issues with President López Obrador and his administration in Mexico. It is clear that leaders in both Washington and Mexico City must do more to secure our border and stop the illicit flows that ravage communities on both sides.”
In addition to Senators Capito and Cornyn, the delegation included Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representatives Tony Gonzales (R-Texas-23), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas-28), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas-16), and Maria Salazar (R-Fla.-27).