In Mexico, the incidence of citizens feeling unsafe is high, with six out of ten people experiencing this feeling. A determining cause of this insecurity is the presence of illegal weapons coming from the United States. Both criminal groups and so-called 'sham companies' that offer custody and protection services contribute to this problem.
The Mexican Association of Security Companies (AMESP) estimates that around seven out of ten security companies in Mexico operate irregularly. Recently, in light of Donald Trump's government's decision to strengthen border controls to stop the illegal trafficking of firearms, AMESP expressed its support for the measure but pointed out the need for joint legislation between both countries.
Daniel Espinoza Ávila, president of AMESP, highlighted the importance of clarifying regulations on weapon possession in Mexico, emphasizing that the country neither sells nor allows the illegal entry of weapons. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 74% of the weapons used by criminal groups such as the Sinaloa Cartel or the Jalisco New Generation Cartel enter illegally from states like Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.
Regarding the armament preferences of criminal groups, Espinoza Ávila mentioned that the most commonly used illegal weapons are high-caliber ones like the 'R15' or long guns. On the process of obtaining weapons by security companies, it is revealed that around 70% of these companies operate irregularly due to the lack of clear legislation in Mexico for this type of business.
Although security companies must have permits to operate and use weapons, the lack of regulation creates irregular situations. Espinoza explained that to operate legally, a company must obtain a permit from the Secretariat of Citizen Security and subsequently a collective permit from the Secretariat of National Defense for carrying weapons.
In summary, with around 5,400 registered private security companies in Mexico and a 25% growth in the last five years, the importance of establishing clear regulations in this sector is highlighted, given the growing need for private security services in a context of perceived insecurity by the majority of the population.
