U.S. Attorney General Lynch and Mexican Attorney General Gómez González Meet to Discuss Bilateral Collaboration

(Press Release) Washington, D.C., June 16, 2015 – In their first meeting since assuming their current positions, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch of the United States and Attorney General Arely Gómez González of Mexico reviewed the current law enforcement agenda between the two countries and pledged to work together to fight transnational crime, including drug trafficking organizations, fraud and financial crime, and human trafficking and smuggling.

During the meeting, which was held in the offices of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., both officials agreed to begin a new push for collaboration between the two nations in the context of reciprocity and respect.

“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to host this historic meeting, and to reaffirm our partnership with the Office of the Attorney General of Mexico,” said Attorney General Lynch.  “Attorney General Gómez González and I are committed to working closely to fight transnational crime, whatever form it takes – whether trafficking in drugs, or trafficking in persons; whether violent gangs, or financial fraudsters.  Together, we will build on the strong record of cooperation between our two countries to advance the common mission that our nations share.”

The Attorneys General discussed the process of institutional transformation that Mexico’s justice system is undergoing, with the entry into force of the New System for Criminal Justice, as well as other reforms designed to move towards a modern Attorney General’s Office.

“We are changing the institution,” said Attorney General Gómez González.  “We want modern, transparent law enforcement that guarantees full respect for human rights and is based on technical, scientific investigations which produce results.  That is how we will strengthen public confidence.”

Attorney General Lynch was joined by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell of the Criminal Division and Bruce Swartz, Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division and Counselor for International Affairs.

Those from Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office who participated in the meeting included Deputy Attorney General José Alberto Rodríguez Calderón of Legal and International Affairs, Deputy Attorney General Felipe de Jesús Muñoz Vázquez, Specializing in Organized Crime, Deputy Attorney General Eber Omar Betanzos Torres of Human Rights, Crime Prevention and Community Services, and Chief Director Tomás Zerón de Lucio of the Criminal Investigation Agency.