U.S. Efforts Curtail Firearms Flow to Mexico
Since the start of the year, the Trump administration has taken significant steps to halt the illegal flow of firearms from the United States to Mexico, intercepting nearly 9,700 weapons at the border. This coordinated effort by federal agencies also led to the confiscation of approximately 3,000 rounds of high-caliber ammunition.
Brendan Iber, who oversees the Phoenix division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), explained that intercepted firearms are meticulously traced back to their original purchasers. “So from the manufacturer, to the distributor, down to that individual federal firearms licensee, and at that point in time we can identify who the original purchaser is,” he stated.
The ATF collaborates closely with gun retailers to combat illegal firearm purchases, commonly known as straw sales. Iber emphasized the importance of these partnerships, noting, “We work hand in hand with them. ATF educates these federal firearms licensees on identifying straw purchasers and working with them to stop this.”
Meanwhile, Mexico is actively pursuing legal action concerning the gun trade. One lawsuit targets five Arizona gun shops, accusing them of engaging in gun trafficking through irresponsible practices. Another legal case challenges U.S. gun manufacturers, claiming their marketing and sales strategies contribute to arming drug cartels and escalating violence in Mexico.
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