The Embassy and the network of Mexican consulates have initiated a new stage of understanding and cooperation with the areas within the Homeland Security Department that carry out the function of the extinct INS.

Currently, the operation of the Internal Consultations Mechanisms is being revised.  Through these Internal Consultations Mechanisms, the Mexican Consuls establish communication and cooperation with the authorities of the DHS in order to facilitate the enforcement of notification and consular access to Mexicans detained by these authorities.

Deaths of undocumented migrants in the border

The prevention of deaths in the border, and the safety of the immigrants trying to enter the United Status through high risk areas, is a priority of the protection policy of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy, the consulates in the border and the authorities of the National Migration Institute have joined efforts to prevent the number of deaths caused by undocumented migrants crossing the border.  These efforts include information campaigns regarding the dangers of crossing the border through deserted zones.  Furthermore, the number of members of the BETA group has increased in order to rescue more immigrants.  The government of Mexico has strengthened the fight against human traffickers and the criminal organizations operating on the border.

The SRE has improved the coordination between the Mexican institutions involved in this complex issue.  In May 2003, the SRE signed a Collaboration Agreement with the Coordinadora Nacional de oficinas de Atencion a Migrantes, in order carry out joint actions with the States to publicize the danger of border crossing in the areas with high migratory flows.

Mexico and the United States have coordinated their actions to strengthen the safety of the migrants in the border, including the repatriation procedures.  In this regard, in February 2004, the Action Plan for Security in the Border and the Memorandum of Understanding on Repatriation of Mexicans were signed.