Peoria Standard

Jim Rule, chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans, said that President Trump's commitment to border security has resulted in a Joint Statement of Understanding between the United States and Mexico. Rule made this statement to the Peoria Standard on February 24.

"President Trump's relentless commitment to border security and his administration's bold ICE operations have paved the way for the landmark Joint Statement of Understanding between U.S. General Guillot and Mexican General Trejo," said Rule. "This agreement marks a triumph in international cooperation, ensuring that both nations work together to patrol the border, share intelligence, and enhance security measures. The drastic drop in illegal crossings and increased enforcement efforts prove that strong leadership delivers real results. Under Trump's leadership, border security and national sovereignty are finally receiving the respect they deserve, with decisive action replacing years of neglect."

According to Fox News, the Pentagon announced coordinated patrols with the Mexican military along the U.S.-Mexico border as part of the Trump administration's border security strategy. U.S. and Mexican generals met to discuss security cooperation, leading to a Joint Statement of Understanding. The statement emphasizes respect for national sovereignty and aims to enhance security on both sides of the border. Since President Trump took office, border apprehensions have decreased, with average border gotaways dropping 93% compared to the Biden administration.

In a February 19 press release on the Department of Defense website, Chief of Staff Joseph Kasper said that General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander of U.S. Northern Command, and General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of National Defense of Mexico (Defensa), met recently to discuss cooperation on security along the Mexico-U.S. border. Kasper said that "the engagement resulted in the formulation and signing of a Joint Statement of Understanding regarding cooperative activities along the border." He added that General Trevilla and General Guillot agreed to conduct coordinated patrols on their respective sides of the border, increase information sharing, and establish methods for immediate communications.

Rule was elected chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans in 2018. According to the organization’s website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Tazewell County voters."