SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 53

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Howie C. Morales

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY TO ESTABLISH A CENTER FOR BORDER SECURITY TO PROVIDE EDUCATION, TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE AGENCIES AND LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS APPLYING FOR FEDERAL FUNDS TO COUNTER BORDER VIOLENCE.

     WHEREAS, violence along the United States and Mexico border is a major concern of citizens and governments of both countries; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico, by virtue of location, culture, language and heritage, is unique among the fifty states of the union in its potential to address the concerns of border violence and to work jointly with surrounding neighbors, including Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico, New Mexico's neighbors and surrounding governmental and non-governmental organizations in the region need to work together more effectively to better protect citizens living along the border; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico institute of mining and technology is a public institution that serves the Hispanic population and networks extensively with other institutions and state and federal agencies for the advancement of science, technology and education focused on protection of life, human rights and property; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico institute of mining and technology currently contributes to the safety of the residents of New Mexico, neighboring states and Mexico through its technical assistance to and training support of the United States department of homeland security's secure border initiative network and first responder training and its partnership with the international law enforcement academy in Roswell, which is sponsored by the United States department of state; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico institute of mining and technology was recently awarded competitive funding by the United States department of justice for the southern border training and technical assistance project; and

     WHEREAS, a center for border security can provide education, training and technical assistance to local, state, federal and foreign agencies and non-governmental organizations for the protection of the rights and safety of New Mexico residents and New Mexico's neighbors, including Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, a center for border security can serve as a vehicle for the New Mexico institute of mining and technology and other partner institutions of higher education in the region to act as a resource for relevant information on border security and safety and a source of technical assistance in countering border violence for New Mexico counties, communities and state organizations that are located at the United States and Mexico border; and

     WHEREAS, a center for border security can collaborate closely with state agencies such as the office of the attorney general, the department of public safety and the homeland security and emergency management department; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico institute of mining and technology has existing resources and funding, unique facilities and exceptionally talented staff and faculty;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico institute of mining and technology be requested to establish a center for border security to partner with state and local organizations seeking federal funds to counter violence at the United States and Mexico border and to provide education, training, research and technical assistance in order to garner more resources in the effort to stem the violence along the United States and Mexico border; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the attorney general, the secretary of homeland security and emergency management, the secretary of public safety and the board of regents of the New Mexico institute of mining and technology.

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