GOVERNOR ORDERS ADDITIONAL STATE POLICE TO BORDER

Gov. Bill Richardson today ordered the New Mexico State Police to
increase its presence along the U.S. border with Mexico following
several killings that have claimed the lives of at least six people
in the Mexico town of Palomas, just across from Columbus. The
violence during the past two weeks appears to be part of a drug war
that has escalated on the Mexican side of the border, according to
law enforcement officials.

As a result, the state police have indefinitely increased patrols in
and around Columbus. State police officers are also working with U.S.
Customs agents to form a roadblock in the town of Columbus to check
every vehicle going back into Palomas. The road block will continue
for several days.

"The violence is escalating and I want to ensure that we are doing
everything possible to keep New Mexicans in this community safe,"
Richardson said.

While all of the violence has occurred in and around Palomas, some of
the victims and perpetrators have fled to Columbus for medical
attention, the governor's office said.