[JURIST] US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano [official profile] on Wednesday appointed [press release] former federal prosecutor Alan Bersin as assistant secretary for international affairs and special representative for border affairs to oversee illegal immigration and anti-crime efforts along the country's borders. Bersin's duties will include improving relationships with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) [official website] and international, state, and local communities, as well as leading efforts to lessen violence [press release] along the US-Mexican border to "help Mexico target illegal guns, drugs and cash." Bersin and Napolitano conducted a press conference [AP report] on a bridge over the Rio Grande connecting El Paso with Ciudad Juarez, Mexico to address concerns that have been expressed in regards to the border. Bersin rejected requests by state officials to patrol the border with military personnel by referring to the Posse Comitatus Act [text] which provides that, except where specially authorized, the Army and Air Force should not act as law enforcement. Bersin also stressed the importance of not exaggerating any potential security threats that the border may pose. Napolitano addressed the recent border efforts and Bersin's appointment:

The Department of Homeland Security has taken strong action to put the right resources in key places along the Southwest border. Thanks to additional technology and personnel along the border, we are getting better intelligence leading to drug and weapons seizures and better identification of illegal and criminal aliens.

Alan brings years of vital experience working with local, state and international partners to help us meet the challenges we face at our borders. He will lead the effort to make our borders safe while working to promote commerce and trade.