EL PASO, Texas A former federal prosecutor was named to the new post of U.S. "border czar" and will oversee efforts to fight drug smuggling and illegal immigration.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today introduced former U.S. Attorney Alan Bersin during a news conference at a bridge that links El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.

The former federal prosecutor will oversee Homeland Security's efforts to end drug cartel violence along the U.S.-Mexico border and reduce the flow of illegal immigrants sneaking across the border into the United States.

Bersin is expected to work with international officials, along with his counterparts in the U.S. and border states.