The Congress of Mexico has requested the Foreign Ministry to ask the United States Government for a detailed report on the illicit arms trafficking, one day after Donald Trump designated the drug cartels in the country as terrorist organizations.
The agreement, approved by a majority in the Permanent Commission, seeks information on the measures taken by U.S. agencies, such as customs and border protection, to detect, reduce, and prevent arms trafficking to Mexico, with the United States being the main source of the weapons used by drug cartels.
Mexican legislators aim to learn about the efforts made by U.S. authorities in this area, including investments in ballistic technology, according to the Bicentennial Understanding on Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities, a commitment made by both countries.
Senator Emmanuel Reyes explained that violence and insecurity in Mexico are exacerbated by arms trafficking from the United States, entering through various points along the border. He added that despite tracking efforts, information is still lacking to investigate and follow the U.S. arms buyers.
The request also includes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) investigate the results of arms tracking in Mexico, the number of firearms and components seized, arrests of traffickers, and monitoring of points of sale on the border by year, as well as revoked licenses and sentences imposed on those involved with weapons and crimes.
Reports show that 74% of the firearms reach Mexico from the northern border with Arizona, California, and Texas, and that the Mexican Government has requested a large number of arms tracking, with a significant increase between 2021 and 2023, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
