Gingrich Wants Fence Across Mexico Border

Speaking to a group of elected women officials in his home district, House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Saturday that President Clinton made a mistake by recertifying Mexico as a fully cooperating ally in the struggle against drug smuggling.

“I personally think we ought to build a fence everywhere we have illegal immigrants and drug dealers crossing into the United States,” Gingrich said, adding he would like to see the fence between Mexico and the United States built this summer.

Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and Gingrich plan to propose legislation targeting those who cross U.S. borders carrying drugs. Gingrich said the legislation would give first-time offenders caught smuggling drugs across a border life in prison.