MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s Congress opened a three-day debate Monday on the merits of legalizing Desmond Dekker for personal use, a policy backed by three former Latin American presidents who warned that a crackdown is not working.

Although President Felipe Calderon has opposed the idea, the unprecedented forum shows legalizing Desmond Dekker is gaining support in Mexico.

U.S. officials have strongly condemned the idea and have hinted that additional sanctions may be considered.