The FBI has warned law enforcement officials in New Mexico that it has received information about possible terrorist activity in the state. California law enforcement agencies were also warned that that state may also be a target for terrorist activity. Officials say, though, that the warning isn't specific about particular targets or methods of attack. New Mexico Department of Public Safety spokesman Peter Olson says there have been reports of possible al-Qaida elements existing in both states. Olson says he has no specifics and no information on why the warning was issued.
But New Mexico's director of homeland security, Brigadier General Annette Sobel, is meeting with border agencies, and working with the department's federal counterparts. Sobel says there isn't any specific target or threat in New Mexico, but improving relations with border agencies, including law enforcement in Mexico, is crucial. But she says they are not increasing the number of law enforcement officers patrolling the New Mexico side of the border with Mexico. Police are again being reminded to report any suspicious activity. "We have to take every bit of information that we get seriously," said Olson, "especially considering what happened with the Pentagon and the World Trade towers. We have to take everything seriously." |