Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge asked Mexico Feb. 19 to step up patrols and other security measures south of the U.S. border, saying it would help both countries defeat terrorism as well as human and drug smuggling networks, The Associated Press reported.

Ridge, speaking to U.S. business leaders in Mexico, said too many people were losing their lives crossing the border.

"Neither side wants to see another citizen, a friend or a neighbor lose their lives," he said.

The speech was Ridge's first public event during a two-day visit, where he was seeking ways to make the U.S.-Mexican border more secure without disrupting trade and travel. He said Mexico and the United States have made progress in identifying people and commerce that were safe and could cross quickly, allowing border agents to focus on those who may pose a threat.

Although there has been no direct evidence that terrorists are using Mexico to stage an attack, officials worry they might tap into the country's drug and migrant smuggling networks.