The U.S. government is amplifying its efforts to curb the illegal trafficking of firearms into Mexico, according to remarks by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco during the Southbound Firearms Trafficking Coordination Meeting on Wednesday.
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserts that approximately half a million weapons are smuggled into Mexico from the U.S. each year. Many of these are military-style weapons, which find their way into the hands of drug cartels and other violent criminals, contributing to the significant rise in violent crime across the region.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the U.S. Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy 2020 recognizes the trafficking of firearms from the U.S. into Mexico as a major concern for the safety and stability of both nations. The GAO reports an estimated 200,000 firearms are illegally smuggled into Mexico from the U.S. each year.
Addressing the need for a coordinated and comprehensive strategy, Monaco discussed the efforts being implemented by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). "Disrupting illegal firearms trafficking networks—those that operate within our borders and across them—is central to our efforts," she stressed.
One key initiative that Monaco highlighted was Operation Southbound, which is focused on disrupting firearms trafficking from the U.S. to Mexico. Since its establishment, the initiative has deployed nine Firearms Trafficking Task Forces to eight cities along the Southwest Border. Between last October and March, nearly 2,000 firearms were seized—an increase compared to the same period the previous year.
In addition to Operation Southbound, the DOJ has expanded access to ATF's eTrace system for Mexican law enforcement, which allows for the swift tracking of crime guns' origin and purchaser. Furthermore, the department has established a new cartel weapons trafficking group along the Southwest border.
Monaco urged all agencies involved to redouble their efforts in combating firearms trafficking. This includes enhancing data sharing, maintaining the momentum of disrupting southbound firearms trafficking, and strengthening cooperation with Mexican partners.
The meeting sets the stage for the forthcoming U.S.-Mexico High Level Security Dialogue, where combating firearms trafficking will be a central point of discussion.
[Remarks]
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