SANTA TERESA, N.M. -- New Mexico Lt. Gov. Diane Denish and Mexico's Consulate General to El Paso Roberto Rodriguez Hernandez hosted a briefing for law enforcement and government representatives after a meeting with Homeland Security officials last week.

Balancing trade and security are among the top concerns for both the United States and Mexico.

Wednesday, Denish and Rodriguez Hernandez were asking for input to deliver to the Homeland Security Advisory Committee.

It is looking to the border agencies to find out what they need to better enforce federal laws, while allowing trade to continue.

Law enforcement representatives from Lordsburg to Sunland Park attended and touted evolving relationships with other agencies, and grant money to fund projects like Operation Stone Garden which provided $4 million to border counties in New Mexico.

“Now is the time of opportunity for us even in these struggling economic times. There is money and there is focus on the border. We need to take advantage of that,” Denish said.

Denish said the challenge will be to keep the efforts going once the money runs out.

Rodriguez Hernandez said while cartels are trying to get in the way, Mexico is recognizing U.S. efforts.

There is no time frame to deliver the input to the advisory committee. More meetings are expected.