Title: Latest ATF Report Reveals US Gun Trafficking Routes to Mexican Cartels
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has confirmed that 74% of the firearms smuggled into Mexico for use by criminal cartels originate from just three U.S. states: Texas, Arizona, and California. This revelation comes from the ATF’s latest report on fighting illegal firearms in the U.S., including a section dedicated to cross-border trafficking to Mexico, under the Secure Neighborhoods Act backed by President Joe Biden.
The Three Key States
Texas is the primary source, accounting for 43% of the firearms, followed by Arizona at 22% and California at 9%. However, the ATF acknowledges that more states are involved in this illicit activity.
"The majority of the firearms," the ATF report states, "are bought and sent irregularly from [the U.S.] to the Mexican criminal groups."
Five Dominant Routes
Around 32% of the firearms recovered or traced back to a buyer occurred through five routes from the U.S. to Mexico. The route from Arizona to Sonora was the most prevalent, followed by:
- Texas to Tamaulipas
- Texas to Nuevo León
- Texas to Chihuahua
- Texas to Guanajuato
The Presence of Sinaloa and CJNG Cartels
Over 82% of the recovered firearms were found in territories controlled by the Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) cartels.
ATF’s Efforts and Challenges
Between 2017 and 2021, the ATF launched 1,011 investigations into U.S.-to-Mexico firearms trafficking. However, only 1,082 firearms were recovered. The ATF notes that 92% of these weapons are used in U.S. crimes before being smuggled into Mexico. In 2023, ATF interceptions headed south increased by 86% compared to the previous year.
The ATF’s main challenge remains securing additional resources to bolster border efforts and halt gun trafficking.
Who’s Trafficking Guns?
The ATF confirms that the majority of identified gun traffickers are white men, with 84% being U.S. citizens between 24 and 34 years old. Despite men dominating the trafficking process, women mediate 72% of transactions. Only 37% had no prior criminal record, while 27% had prior convictions for severe crimes.
Why It Matters to Mexico
Mexico has long pressed the U.S. to step up its efforts against gun trafficking, with almost 80% of cartel firearms originating in the U.S. A lawsuit from the Mexican government against gun producers is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court (Smith & Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos). The court will consider whether U.S. gun production and sales contribute to Mexican government damages caused by cartel violence and if these activities équate to "aiding and abetting" illegal gun trafficking.
The new ATF report may bolster Mexico’s arguments in this case.
Continue reading:
- Mexico Succeeds in Targeting U.S.-Based Gun Trafficking Empowering Cartels
- U.S. and Mexico Reach Agreement to Combat Fentanyl, Gun, and Ammo Trafficking
- Biden Unveils New Strategy Against Fentanyl Trafficking and Money Laundering
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