Panel asks information on border incident

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The House Committee on Homeland Security has asked for more information on apparent Mexican military incursions across the border into Texas.

Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said what appeared to be Mexican Army Humvees crossed the border and helped suspected drug traffickers escape back into Mexico.

"This is yet another example of the clear security problems we face along

our southwest border," said Committee Chairman Peter King, R-N.Y. "These episodes further illustrate the need for comprehensive border security reform. We must ensure the security of our homeland, and that means gaining full operational control of our borders."

The committee sent letters to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff asking them to investigate the incident and report back to Congress. The panel also wrote to Carlos de Icaza, the Mexican ambassador to the United States, asking for an explanation.