The Obama administration has issued a report that could lead to the release of $100 million to fund Mexico's anti-drug efforts.

Police escort Arnoldo Rueda, an alleged coordinator for the Mexican drug cartel, during a presentation in Mexico City, 11 Jul 2009The U.S. State Department informed the U.S. Congress last week that Mexico was making progress in overhauling its judicial system and protecting human rights.

The administration wanted to release the report before President Barack Obama's trip to Mexico last week for a summit with Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. But the release was blocked earlier this month by Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, who raised concerns about the true extent of Mexico's efforts.

The move by Leahy, who chairs the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on foreign operations, delayed the release of the money.

Both the Mexican government and human rights groups say thousands of complaints have been lodged against the military in recent years for such human rights abuses as forced disappearances and murder.

The $100 million is part of a three-year, $1.4 billion aid package called the Merida Initiative that funds Mexico's effort to fight drug traffickers.  

Some information for this report was provided by AP.