Mexico, U.S. Launch 'Mission Firewall' to Combat Illicit Arms Trafficking
Mexico and the United States have launched a new initiative, 'Mission Firewall', to combat the illicit flow of weapons across their shared border. This comes after Mexico's unsuccessful $10 billion lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers and distributors. The aim is to disrupt the supply of weapons to drug cartels and reduce violent crimes.
The initiative involves joint inspections, real-time information sharing, and expanded investigations. It aims to increase border operations, expand the use of the eTrace tool, implement ballistic identification technology, strengthen information sharing, and boost investigations and prosecutions of criminal cases involving firearms. Many firearms smuggled into Mexico from the U.S. end up in the hands of drug cartels, fueling violent crimes.
Since January, the U.S. has opened over 125 arms trafficking investigations and seized firearms. The U.S. will increase inspections and coordination with Mexico to stop the southbound flow of firearms. Mexico, which has long called for more U.S. action, has praised the new cooperation. A secure platform has been created for information sharing regarding suspicious air shipments and packages to identify and interdict illicit drugs, firearms, and other contraband.
The 'Mission Firewall' initiative is a significant step towards addressing the issue of illicit weapons trafficking between the U.S. and Mexico. It involves increased cooperation, technological advancements, and a commitment to disrupt the flow of weapons to criminal organizations. Both countries hope that this initiative will lead to a reduction in violent crimes and improve border security.
