$400M earmarked for Mexico-U.S. border

SAN DIEGO, April 2 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano says a $400 million federal effort will include an upgrading of security at the U.S.-Mexico border.

During a California visit Wednesday, Napolitano announced the security upgrades will include searches of rail cars traveling into Mexico as well as inspections of other Mexico-bound vehicles, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Thursday.

The Homeland Security official also took time to praise U.S.-Mexico relations and Mexico's commitment to such security efforts.

"I have never felt better about working with the government of Mexico than I do right now, in terms of their ability and their confidence and their dedication to this mission," Napolitano said.

Ports of entry along the border will receive $269 million of the federal funds, while $50 million will be spent providing Arizona with surveillance equipment for its border with Mexico.

The Union-Tribune said $50 million more has been tabbed to upgrade Texas-Mexico border tactical communications and $42 million is set to be spent on inspection equipment for border officials.