Bill Richardson: Mexico Followed Legal Process in US Marine Tahmooressi Case Bill Richardson - U-T San Diego
go to original November 21, 2014

As I reflect on the successful effort to bring former U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi home after 214 days in prison in Mexico, I am pleased that despite the differing border security concerns that loom high in public perception and national policy in both countries, we were able to find the common ground that ultimately resulted in Andrew’s release.

There are two concerns, however, that remain in the American public’s mind that I would like to address; first, what took so long for Andrew’s release and, second, why Mexico deserves credit. By addressing the underlying foreign policy issues behind Andrew’s case, I hope to answer these questions and provide a better understanding of the complexities that had to be overcome for his release.

In 2008, then President George W. Bush signed into law an agreement with Mexico — with great political and financial support from Congress — known as the “Merida Initiative” which the State Department defines as a “partnership between the U.S and Mexico to fight organized crime and associated violence while furthering the rule of law.” Two key objectives of this initiative for Mexico were curbing illicit arms trafficking and judicial reform.

As a former border governor, I am familiar with stories about people making the wrong turn and winding up in Mexico by mistake.

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Photo: CBS News

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