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WASHINGTON, D.C. - - Attorney General John Ashcroft today released the following statement responding to the deaths of the fourteen migrants in the Arizona desert.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends who lost their loved ones. I regret the needless deaths of these thirteen individuals. I join U.S. citizens in expressing our sympathy over the tragic loss of life.

"I want to assure the families of the survivors that their loved ones are being offered medical attention and are being assisted by U.S. Border Patrol and Mexican consular officials.

"The actions of these smugglers selfishly risked and ended the lives of fourteen people. They are to be condemned for putting profits before people. Their lack of moral judgement and disregard for life will not be tolerated.

"The U.S. and Mexican governments have begun investigations to identify the smugglers responsible for this tragedy, and have pledged close cooperation to bring these criminals to justice.

"Last night I consulted with Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations, Jorge Castaneda and the Mexican Ambassador to the United States about the tragedy and the need for our governments to continue the important work we have started toward agreements on border safety.

"Protecting the lives of our citizens on the border is a shared responsibility that both our governments are committed to.

"Two weeks ago, I visited the Southwest Border in Arizona and Texas. I saw first hand the life threatening and oppressive conditions that confront people trying to illegally cross the border. In order to prevent the further loss of life, we plan to:

Deploy resources:

Deploy additional helicopter resources to desert areas in Tucson and Yuma Sectors later in June.

Temporarily assign agents, to include BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue Team) members, to high-risk areas.

Acquire additional search and rescue and medical equipment.

Continue local BSI (Border Safety Initiative) discussions with Mexican officials in June.

Develop BORSTAR team in the Yuma and El Centro Sectors.

A BORSTAR academy is scheduled for June 25th, which will include members from the Yuma, El Centro, and Tucson Sectors.

Continued Coordination with Mexican Government Officials on:

Investigation of smugglers and smuggling organizations

"Last weekend I had a very productive visit to Mexico where I met with President Fox, Secretary of Foreign Relations Castaneda, Minister of Interior Santiago Creel Miranda, Secretary of Public Security Gertz Manero and National Security Commissioner Aguilar Zinser to discuss immigration and law enforcement initiatives. Our meetings solidified our commitments to further develop the relationship between our two countries.

"On June 6th Justice Department officials will travel to San Antonio, Texas to meet with Mexican officials to discuss our Joint Bi-National Border Safety Initiatives and immediate safety concerns including search and rescue, binational training, targeting of alien smugglers, and binational cooperation.

"We must take decisive action now to ensure justice for citizens on both sides of the border and create an environment that protects them from predators who seek to take advantage of those seeking to better their lives.

"Again, I express my sincere condolences to all those affected by this tragic loss."

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