Mexico calls for more cooperation from US on border violence, smuggling of contraband

Mexico asks more US cooperation on border violence

MEXICO CITY — Mexican officials are responding to the decision of New Mexico’s governor to send more National Guard troops to the border by calling for more cooperation with the U.S. on border violence.

The Foreign Relations Department says Mexico respects the right of U.S. authorities to determine how to provide security along their side of the border, but adds that increased cooperation is the answer.

The department’s Thursday statement says U.S. officials should step up efforts to curb smuggling of weapons and cash into Mexico.

New Mexico ordered more National Guardsmen to the border this week to beef up surveillance after an Arizona rancher was shot to death. Investigators believe he was killed by an illegal immigrant who fled to Mexico.