US Attorney General visits El Salvador
5 February 2007

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In a short visit to El Salvador, U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales announced intensified joint efforts between the United States and El Salvador to combat street gangs.

Gonzales, on his first stop on a tour of three Latin American nations, which includes Argentina and Brazil, said the offensive "targets the transnational gangs responsible for the most barbaric violence."

After meeting Monday with Salvadoran President Antonio Saca, Gonzales said the new bilateral offensive will focus on more efficient investigation of gang suspects in both nations, better exchange of information, and increased U.S. training programs for Salvadoran police officers. Also among the initiatives is creation of a fingerprint archive intended to help authorities better track gang leaders and members.

Gonzales also announced formation of an elite U.S.-funded anti-gang unit to comprise FBI agents and officers from El Salvador's National Police.

AG Gonzalez announces intensified joint efforts against street gangs
Remarks of U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales