Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this important hearing which will examine the Federal Government’s efforts to combat drug smuggling in the United States, violence associated with Mexican drug cartels, and progress made in combating drug trafficking on the Southwest border region.

  Over the past ten years Mexico has become a major hub for the production and transportation of illicit drugs.  According to the Congressional Research Service, Mexico is now the main foreign supplier of marijuana and a major supplier of methamphetamine to the U.S.

  Even though there has been a significant rise in drug related violence in Mexico it has failed to spill over into the United States.  However, I do have major concerns about the relationship between the potential role Los Angeles gangs have in drug violence in Mexico.  My main concern is if any of this violence is related to South Los Angeles gangs such as the Mexican Mafia and 18th Street.  These gangs have a long history of family ties, extreme violence, and tremendous influence in Mexico.  I hope if there is any connection between these gangs and drug related violence in Mexico that the panelists can elaborate a little more.

  Over the past ten years, Los Angeles has experienced an increase in violence between Blacks and Latinos.  A lot of this violence has been attributed to hate or gang related incidents, but I think there may be an underlining conflict over drug territory.

  Mr. Chairman, thank you again for holding this hearing and I look forward to the testimonies of our panelists, and yield back the reminder of my time.