Washington, D.C. -  Reports of uniformed Mexican troops confronting U.S. law enforcement, aiding drug smugglers, and crossing into United States territory are deeply troubling and should be investigated as soon as possible, Congressman Mike Rogers said today.

“These incidents raise serious concerns about the day-to-day control of our borders,” Rogers said. “Whether or not Mexican military personnel are aiding drug smugglers is a serious issue, and I hope to get some answers on this very soon.”

Yesterday, Rogers co-signed a letter with Homeland Security Chairman Peter King (R-NY) and three subcommittee chairmen to Mexican Ambassador Carlos de Icaza outlining concerns over recent border incursion reports.

‘We are deeply concerned about these reported incursions…We also would appreciate your assurances that these incursions into United States territory are not condoned by the Government of Mexico and that measures are being taken to prevent their future occurrence,’ read the letter.

Rogers also co-signed a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and State Department Secretary Condoleezza Rice regarding the reports.

‘According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there have been 231 such incursions reported since 1996; an average of more than 28 times per year.  Although many of these incursions may have been accidental, we are concerned by reports that some may actually involve the smuggling of narcotics into the United States,’ read the letter.

In both letters the representatives asked for a briefing on the issue as soon as possible. Rogers is Chairman of the Homeland Security subcommittee on management and oversight.

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