The Law Enforcement and Security Exchange Program (LESEP) supports the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship by building capacity and enhancing the professionalism of Mexican security and law enforcement personnel. It also supports the Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities by addressing shared challenges related to law enforcement and policing.
The security and law enforcement sector in Mexico has long been affected by a lack of accountability, integrity, and poor training and structure. This lack of individual security impacts the United States through transnational crime, which undermines border security, disrupts markets, corrupts institutions, and poses grave threats to national security.
Since 2016, LESEP has provided training and professional development for Mexican law enforcement and security personnel of all ranks to promote accountability, professionalism, integrity, respect for human rights, and adherence to due process among the country’s law enforcement officials. Programming includes study tours in the United States, training institutes in Mexico, webinars, and online learning courses.
This short-term professional exchange is a collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, implemented by members of the nationwide Global Ties Network.
Between July 2021 and March 2024, we have implemented a total of 24 activities that have provided training to nearly 2,000 law enforcement, security, and criminal justice professionals from across Mexico, and engaged over 100 law enforcement and community organizations in the United States. Program participants achieved significant gains in their professional knowledge, leadership skills, sense of profession, and colleague networks. Participants also generated and implemented action plans which led to tangible changes in management practices across various agencies.
LESEP will continue through June 30, 2026 and serve an additional 1,200 participants. This participant base will create a critical mass for lasting reforms in Mexican law enforcement organizations and increase the capacity of the Government of Mexico to provide for individual citizen security and to combat transnational criminal organizations.
Our implementation of LESEP is supported by members of the Global Ties Network, including the San Diego Diplomacy Council, International Citizen Diplomacy Council of Los Angeles, GlobalAustin, WorldChicago, World Boston, Global Ties Miami, World Denver, WorldOrlando, the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, and the International Center. Community-Based Members who are interested in participating in LESEP are encouraged to contact the Global Ties U.S. Exchanges Team at Exchanges@GlobalTiesUS.org.
The Law Enforcement and Security Exchange Program is sponsored and funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), under a cooperative agreement with Global Ties U.S.
