Earlier this month Senator Richard Durbin and Representatives Castro, Escobar and Frost introduced the Stop Arming Cartels Act, aimed at slowing the most powerful guns trafficked into Mexico from the United States each year. Fully 70% of the guns recovered in crime scenes in Mexico are sourced to the United States. Suppliers in the United States send everything the cartels need to sow violence and chaos, from handguns to .50 caliber sniper rifles capable of taking down helicopters. 

Stop U.S. Arms to Mexico has been a key player in championing this legislation, working closely with lawmakers in the United States to understand the breadth of this crisis, and to craft solutions that protect communities in both Mexico AND the United States. Global Exchange and the People’s Movement for Peace and Justice are proud to endorse this legislation, as well. 

This bill will stem the tide of weapons by prohibiting the sale and transfer of .50 caliber rifles, regulating existing .50 caliber rifles, creating a legal exception that will allow victims of gun violence to sue manufacturers and dealers who sell weapons prohibited under the Kingpin Act, and require firearms dealers to report multiple sales of rifles to state and local law enforcement agencies. As important, it responds to the new administration’s stated goal of “eliminating” cartels by taking concrete action to deny them the weapons to empower them to traffic fentanyl, accelerate forced migrations, and devastate families.

Make no mistake, the introduction of this bill is a big deal. Now, we have to do everything we can to turn this bill into law. You can help make this happen. 

We are urging people to ask Members of Congress and Senators to co-sponsor and to speak publicly about Trump’s commitment last week to stem the flow of high-powered weapons into Mexico. Supporting passage and signing this legislation will contribute to keeping that promise.

Thank you for taking action!