Marking a Milestone in Mexico


December 3, 2015

The FBI’s office at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City turns 75 this December.


Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: The FBI marks a milestone in Mexico.

I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau with FBI, This Week.

The FBI’s office at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City turns 75 this December.

Crime has evolved to transcend borders, languages, and cultures, making it critical for the FBI to forge strong working relationships with its international partners, like those in Mexico.

Eric Drickersen is the legal attaché…

Drickersen: We need to work in collaboration to make those international borders not an impediment but a strength in how we look at law enforcement with our partners.

Halpern: The cooperation between the FBI and Mexican law enforcement first began with the mission of capturing fugitives. Eighteen of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives have been captured in Mexico over the years.

Drickersen: That’s more than any other country or any other partnership than we have internationally anywhere. And I think that exemplifies the importance and the depth of our relationship.

Halpern: The relationship between the FBI and Mexican law enforcement matures to reflect changing threats. These days they work together to solve complex investigations involving terrorists, criminal organizations, human traffickers, and more.

Drickersen: We couldn’t be as effective as we are without that international collaboration.

Halpern: Mexico City was among one of the first international places where the FBI expanded its presence beyond the borders of the U.S. The FBI currently has international offices—called legal attachés, or legats—in 80 locations around the globe.

Related information:

-Story: FBI Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Legal Attaché in Mexico City
-Press release: FBI Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Legal Attaché in Mexico City

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