MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (Feb. 16, 2011)--The following statement regarding the American immigration agent killed in Mexico yesterday should be attributed to former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio O. Garza:

"Agent Zapata's death is tragic, and my thoughts are with agent Zapata’s family.

"The case itself appears to be quite different from the Enrique “Kike” Camarena case that was clearly one of an agent being targeted and tortured with the objective of extracting information about U.S. activities and informant networks.

"Yesterday's murder appears to be lower level cartel members acting with the intention of robbery or extortion, but both cases are reminders of the sacrifices and risk law enforcement officers make each day and, given the transnational nature of these criminal organizations, highlight the need for closer cooperation with Mexican authorities, particularly as it relates to intelligence."

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