Tamaulipas Gov. Francisco Garcia Cabeza de Vaca visited the Sister City on Monday to inaugurate the Regional Public Safety Complex of Nuevo Laredo, one of five in the state to strengthen security, authorities said.

Garcia Cabeza de Vaca highlighted that Tamaulipas remains among the states with the lowest crime rate, according to information from the National Public Security System. He added that these results are the product of the strategy, actions and coordination in matters of security undertaken by the state government.

“We have given results because we have understood that here on the border we are not only neighbors, we are business partners, allies and family. We are going to continue working with our northern neighbors to make the border between Tamaulipas and Texas a strong, competitive border that will raise the quality of life for the families that live on both sides,” the governor said.

U.S. Consul in Nuevo Laredo Deanna Kim, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Nuevo Laredo Mayor Enrique Rivas, Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz, and representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the alliance to combat international threats attended the event.

“In the short time that I have been in Nuevo Laredo, I have been pleasantly impressed by the collaboration that exists between the government, the community and the private sector on both sides of the river. I am ready to work together and guarantee the efficient flow of goods, services and travelers, through our common border, benefiting both countries,” Kim said.

Cuellar, D-Laredo, highlighted the binational collaboration in matters of public safety.

“We know that the Rio Grande does not divide us. It unites us. Governor, you see here the officers of the American side. We want to work as a team with you in Tamaulipas,” Cuellar said.

The complex required an investment of 230 million pesos. It comes with a dormitory area for 640 state cops, an infantry field, sports areas, a civic plaza, an infirmary and administrative areas. Prior to having these headquarters, state cops were housed in local hotels in Nuevo Laredo, where suspected cartel members carried out drive-by shootings.

This complex also comes with its own gas pumps. Last year, suspected cartel members forced gas stations in Nuevo Laredo to refuse service to state police and military vehicles.