Mexico investigates border abuses

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Mexican authorities announced Friday they are investigating possible abuse of illegal immigrants by the U.S. Border Patrol.

In statements to a local U.S. emissary, Foreign Secretary Luis Ernesto Derbez said his office is looking into whether illegals were hit by rubber bullets containing pepper spray while they tried to cross into the United States.

The U.S. Border Patrol uses rubber bullets filled with pepper gas on the border between Mexico and the United States -- a practice that has triggered criticism from human rights groups.