[JURIST] Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs [official website, in English] said Thursday that it was "deeply worried" about the proposed construction of a 700-mile border fence [JURIST news archive] between the US and Mexico, fearing it would "increase tension in border communities." Mexico [JURIST news archive] reiterated the need for a comprehensive immigration strategy, arguing that this security-focused measure was simply a political answer. The department issued a statement [press release] saying "these measures will harm the bilateral relationship. They are against the spirit of co-operation that is needed to guarantee security on the common border." Both Mexican President Vincente Fox and President-elect Felipe Calderon have spoken out against the measure. AP has more.

Meanwhile, US Senators voted 71-28 [roll call] Thursday to limit debate on its version of the border fence bill [HR 6061, PDF text] in an effort to push it through before the upcoming Congressional recess. A floor vote could come Friday or Saturday, but it is uncertain if there will be enough time left in the session for the House to accept the Senate's changes to its measure, passed [JURIST report] earlier this month. AP has more.