Mexican functionaries mentioned that although their efforts have been significant, without full cooperation from the United States in preventing the drug consumption in the U.S., the flow of American weapons and of cash south of the border into the hands of the Mexican criminals, there will not be any significant improvement in dismantling the drug cartels. On another note, the slaying of Zapata has sparked a debate on whether U.S. agents in Mexico should be allowed to carry guns to defend themselves. President Felipe Calderón mentioned during his visit to Washington, D.C. on March 3, 2011, that "alternatives" would be examined with Congress to improve the security of U.S. agents working in Mexico.
