Texas Fueling Gun Violence in Mexico: An Alarming Reality of Cross-Border Weapon Trafficking
Firearms have become a deadly tool in the hands of criminals, with devastating consequences on both sides of the border. In 2023, Texas witnessed 1,799 homicides committed with firearms, painting a grim picture of the human toll of gun violence. However, the impact of guns purchased in Texas extends far beyond its borders, contributing to a cycle of violence that empowers drug traffickers and drives migrants towards the United States.
According to new data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), a staggering 29 percent of crime guns recovered in Mexico from 2017 to 2021 were traced back to purchases in Texas. This alarming statistic highlights the role Texas plays in supplying firearms that fuel violence in Mexico. With more than 22,000 gun homicides occurring in Mexico annually, it is estimated that 5,500 murders in the country involved guns sourced from Texas, surpassing the number of gun homicides reported in the Lone Star State.
The release of data by the ATF in May 2024 shed light on the extent of firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras over an eight-year period. Out of the 52,541 firearms recovered in Mexico between 2015 and 2022 and traced to a U.S. purchase, over 40 percent originated from Texas. This data reaffirms the significant role Texas plays in the illicit gun pipeline that supplies weapons to criminal organizations in Mexico.
A leaked report on gun tracing data revealed that specific firearms dealers in Texas are major sources of crime guns recovered in Mexico. For instance, Primary Arms in Houston was identified as the seller of over 40 carbine rifles, primarily Anderson AM-15s, recovered from crime scenes in 2019-2020. Additionally, more than half of firearms traced back to Texas from Mexico were linked to a dozen cities, including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, among others.
Licensed gun dealers in border towns in Texas have also been implicated in trafficking firearms to Mexico. In McAllen alone, over a thousand crime guns recovered in Mexico from 2015 to 2022 were traced back to purchases made in the city. The prevalence of pawnbrokers and gun dealers in border towns like McAllen highlights the ease with which firearms can be trafficked across the border, contributing to the cycle of violence in Mexico.
Academy Sports + Outdoors, a prominent sporting goods chain headquartered in Katy, Texas, has been flagged as a source for trafficked guns. Data on guns recovered in Mexico in 2019-2020 and traced to the United States revealed that 349 firearms purchased at Academy Sports outlets, predominantly in Texas, were linked to crimes in Mexico. Notably, a single Academy Sports store in El Paso was responsible for 33 firearms recovered in 2019-2020, including nine carbines, raising concerns about the role of legitimate retailers in supplying weapons to criminal elements.
In a tragic incident in Uvalde, an 18-year-old purchased two rifles from Oasis Outback in 2022 and subsequently carried out a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, resulting in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers. Uvalde County was also identified as the source of over 30 firearms recovered in Mexico from 2015 to 2022, underscoring the link between domestic gun sales and international crime.
Zeroed in Armory in Pearland was implicated in the sale of eleven .50 caliber Barrett rifles trafficked to Mexico and recovered in 2020. These high-powered rifles have the capability to accurately shoot large rounds over long distances, posing a significant threat to law enforcement in Mexico. Around 60 .50 caliber Barrett rifles recovered in Mexico were traced back to purchases in Texas from 2019-2020, highlighting the prevalence of these weapons in criminal activities.
The widespread availability of firearms purchased in Texas and trafficked to Mexico is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Data reveals that firearms from 212 Texas counties were trafficked to Mexico and recovered as crime guns from 2015-2022, totaling nearly 22,000 weapons. This alarming trend underscores the need for collaborative efforts to curb the flow of illicit firearms across the border.
While the number of crime guns recovered in Mexico paints a grim picture, it represents only a fraction of the total firearms trafficked into the country. Estimates from a comprehensive study conducted by the University of San Diego and the IGARAPÉ Institute suggest that 253,000 firearms are purchased annually in the United States with the intent to traffic them to Mexico. This illicit trade in firearms poses a serious threat to public safety and security on both sides of the border.
Mexico’s stringent gun laws and limited domestic gun production further exacerbate the issue of firearms trafficking from the United States. With the majority of crime guns in Mexico traced back to U.S. purchases, it is imperative for community leaders, elected officials, and firearms dealers to take proactive measures to stem the flow of illicit weapons that fuel violence and criminal activities in Mexico and beyond.
The need for coordinated action to address cross-border firearms trafficking is urgent and cannot be ignored. By understanding the origins of guns used in violence in Mexico and taking concrete steps to prevent their illicit sale and distribution, we can work towards a safer and more secure future for both countries. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to prioritize efforts to combat the scourge of gun violence and ensure the safety of communities on both sides of the border.