U.S. Security Demands at Airport Spark Outrage

In a heated debate in Congress over tightened airport security measures requested by the United States, Mexican lawmakers accused officials of betraying the nation’s sovereignty and violating the human rights of passengers.

The security reforms -- including the posting of FBI and U.S. immigration agents at Mexico City’s airport -- have touched a nerve. Lawmakers demanded an apology for intrusive searches, cancellations of two recent Aeromexico flights to Los Angeles and alleged interference by U.S. agents.

Mexico “has suffered a lacerating humiliation with the intervention of foreign agents,” Congressman Pedro Vazquez said. “The United States thinks it owns the world.”