Laredo Representatives Meet with Regional Director of the Office of Foreign Missions
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Mar 9, 2023, 0 Comments
Courtesy Isabel Sosa,
LAREDO, TX— The City of Laredo Mayor Pro Tempore and Council Member for District 7, Vanessa Perez, along with Deputy Police Chief, Enedina R. Martinez; Assistant Police Chief, Miguel A. Rodriguez, Jr.; Assistant City Attorney, Daniel L. Walter; and Assistant Bridge Director, Kent Richards, welcomed Ms. Katherine Ho, the Regional Director of the Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) in Houston, on Tuesday, March 7, at the Gate to the Americas International Bridge.
During this visit, Ms. Ho was able to deliver details about the guidance and support the Office of Foreign Missions can offer to the City of Laredo. Ms. Ho reiterated the fact that they may assist with resources and advice regarding security policies.
As the leader of this office, Ms. Ho oversees diplomatic immunities and privileges for diplomatic communities spread throughout eight states and she specializes in international economics, law, and national security. The OFM provides training on consular notification and diplomatic immunity to law enforcement. Other priorities in the region include energy, maritime shipping, medical care, and citizen services.
Mayor Pro Tem Perez and representatives from the Laredo Police Department and the Bridge Department thanked Ms. Ho for her visit, recognizing her willingness to support the City of Laredo and other local agencies. Additionally, this occasion comes to enhance the opportunity for two women in office to come together during Women’s History Month on the eve of International Women’s Day.
The Office of Foreign Missions-Houston has oversight of all foreign consular officers serving in an 8-state region of the central and southwestern United States. The Houston regional office covers Texas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Arkansas. The Regional Director closely interfaces with major city partner agencies, to include state government officials, law enforcement agencies, education institutions, emergency management centers, and foreign consulates. – Courtesy of Foreign Affairs Officer, U.S. Department of State, Office of Foreign Missions-Houston.
