SANTA TERESA, N.M. -- Law enforcement and government officials got the go-ahead to make a wish list for the things they need to better do their jobs.

New Mexico government officials met with Homeland Security last week and the lieutenant governor briefed law enforcement and politicians on that meeting Wednesday. The goal is to balance security and trade between the U.S. and Mexico.

“Not everyone was invited to last week’s meeting. It was a very high level meeting,” Lt. Gov. Diane Denish said.

Denish asked law enforcement agencies from across the border counties to listen to what she heard.

“What we really are digging for is the best recommendation as possible to give to the Homeland Security Advisory Committee.

Mexico's consul general to El Paso said both countries have to battle the same obstacles when dealing with trade and safety.

“We are partners and crime doesn't recognize any kind of border. We are fighting a common enemy and we expect to keep working together. It's the only way that we are going to win this war against the cartels,” said Ambassador Roberto Rodriguez Hernandez.

This week Sunland Park hosts a NAFTA conference with already 600 people expected from both sides of the border. Mayor Martin Resendez said security initiatives have already been enhanced.

“Drive through Sunland Park late during the evening. Go through our main highway in Sunland Park and what you see is you see six to seven Border Patrol vehicles there,” Resendez said.

Denish said agencies should ask the Homeland Security Advisory Committee now for what they need whether it's more human resources or technology.

“It is focused on the four border states and our relationship with Mexico. We need to be working together and collaboratively to tell them what we really need here to make it work,” Denish said.

Some agencies are asking for more grant money to continue operation stone garden to patrol the borders. Others are hoping for manpower regardless of the state's hiring freeze.