NDD.022.a07

WHEREAS, in 2005, extraditions from Mexico to the United States reached an all-time high, with the Government of Mexico (GOM) extraditing 41 fugitives to the United States, compared with 34 during the previous year (U.S. Department of State, International Narcotics Strategy Control Report, March 2006); and

WHEREAS, in November 2005, the Supreme Court of Mexico reversed a ruling that had prohibited Mexico extradition of fugitives facing life imprisonment without parole, which facilitated the extradition from Mexico of fugitives charged with narcotics and violent crimes; and

WHEREAS, in July 2006, Mexican authorities extradited five criminals to the United States to face charges, including one from the FBIs Ten most Wanted Fugitive List (Press Release, July 7, 2006, Embassy of the U.S., Mexico); and

WHEREAS, in 2006, Mexican authorities extradited 63 fugitives to the United States, making it the fifth consecutive record year. Of the total number of extraditions, 30 were for narcotics related offenses in the United States and 47 were Mexican citizens (U.S. Department of State, International Narcotics Strategy Control Report, March 2007); and

WHEREAS, in January 2007, Jorge Arroyo-Garcia, accused of killing a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff during a routine traffic stop in 2002 was extradited from Mexico to the United States to face trial (U.S. Marshals Service Press Release, January 7, 2007); and

WHEREAS, in January 2007, for the first time, Mexico extradited several high-level drug traffickers whose extraditions had been delayed due to judicial appeals or pending charges, including Osiel Cardenas Guillen, the leader of the Gulf cartel; Jesus Hector Palma Salazar of the Sinaloa cartel; and Ismael and Gilberto Higuera Guerrero of the Arellano Felix Organization, among others (U.S. Department of State, International Narcotics Strategy Control Report, March 2007); now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the International Association of Chiefs of Police duly assembled at its 114th Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, encourages and supports the continued cooperative international law enforcement efforts between Mexico and the United States.