U.S. gives Mexico millions for security

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Mexico reportedly received some $376 million from the United States in the past decade to use its military and police to protect America's southern border.

Another $50 million is due this year, authorized quietly through State and Defense departments, to help Mexico fight alien and drug smugglers and guard against terrorists, reports The Washington Times.

U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, told the newspaper the program has helped put narco-terrorists and smugglers on the defense.

But veteran U.S. Border Patrol agent T.J. Bonner called the program "appalling," saying it amounts to the government funding attacks on U.S. law-enforcement personnel along the border by rogue Mexican military troops.

"This funding program should cease immediately, and the Mexican government needs to be placed on notice that any further incursions by its military or police will not be tolerated," he told the newspaper.

Mexico denies any of its military personnel have been involved in recent border incursions and has blamed drug smugglers.