Feds train Mexican police in use of heavy weapons, live-fire response

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Chihuahua state police in the past few years often have rushed to the scene of reported cartel shootings and on occasion come under fire themselves.

That’s one of the reasons why Chihuahua authorities sent 20 state police detectives to a crash course on the use of tactical weapons sponsored by Homeland Security Investigations in Far East El Paso last week.

“This course, in addition to refining the technical capabilities of state police officers, is an example of cooperation that strengthens collaboration between law enforcement agencies in Mexico and the United States, which benefits border safety,” the Chihuahua Public Safety Secretary said in a statement.

The Mexican officers spent five days at Ysleta Tactical Ranch, a 350-acre training facility in the outskirts of El Paso firing rifles with adjustable stocks, high-capacity magazines and other features that come in handy in a firefight. They practiced long-range shooting, simulated firefights and motion training, Chihuahua authorities said.

The Chihuahua officers received training certificates at HSI headquarters in El Paso during an end-of-course ceremony attended by U.S. Consul General in Juarez Rafeal Foley, HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens and Chihuahua Public Safety Director Gilberto Loya.

“With these actions, the state police reaffirms its commitment to ongoing training of its officers and the strengthening of strategic alliances that guarantee peace of mind for our citizens,” Loya said in a statement.