Facing stunning levels of deaths, U.S. and Mexico revamp strained security cooperation

Mexico still spends only around 1 percent of its gross domestic product on security, and has failed to create a professional, effective police or justice system. Corruption remains a persistent problem. Organized crime groups have expanded beyond drug trafficking into extortion, migrant-smuggling and kidnapping, gaining increasing control over territory. Meanwhile, Mexican officials complain that U.S. guns have flooded the country, fueling the carnage.