U.S. Weapons Flow to Mexico Fuels Cartel Violence Amid Regulatory Tensions

MXMexico|

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has intensified demands for the U.S. to curb illegal arms trafficking, with officials warning that between 70% and 90% of weapons used by cartels originate from the United States. According to investigative reports by EL PAÍS, arms traffickers like “Fernanda” have recently been recorded seeking military-grade firearms such as AK-47s and Barrett rifles, with transactions facilitated by contacts in the U.S.

This urgent plea comes as the two nations negotiate amid a tariff standoff. Sheinbaum stated, “For the first time, the U.S. government has said: ‘We’re going to work together to prevent high-powered weapons from entering Mexico.’” Legal experts note that the lax gun laws in the U.S., where over 75,000 licensed dealers exist compared to Mexico’s single military-run store, intensify the problem.

The ongoing arms crisis contributes significantly to the narcotics trade and violence in Mexico, leading to thousands of homicides annually. Specialist Ieva Jusionyte stresses the supply-demand cycle, stating, “Without weapons, there’s no organized crime.” Despite recent lawsuits against major gun manufacturers, skepticism remains regarding U.S. commitment to address the root causes of arms trafficking.

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