Mexico Urges U.S. to Stop Flow of Guns to Drug Cartels

Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico, has urged the United States to curb the flow of firearms across the border, arguing that illegal weapons from the U.S. are empowering drug cartels.

Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum cited U.S. Department of Justice statistics showing that roughly 75% of firearms used by criminal groups in Mexico originate from the United States. (Photo: United States Navy)

Her remarks came after President Donald Trump expanded military efforts against criminal groups and proposed deploying military assets against cartels operating in Mexico, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times.

“If the flow of illegal weapons from the United States into Mexico were stopped, these groups wouldn’t have access to this type of high-powered weaponry to carry out their criminal activities,” Sheinbaum said at a daily news conference.

She cited U.S. Department of Justice statistics showing that roughly 75% of firearms used by criminal groups in Mexico originate from the United States.

Trump has proposed forming a new security partnership called the “Americas Counter Cartel Coalition,” which he says would unite several right-leaning governments in the region to use military force against organized crime.

Speaking at a meeting of regional leaders at his golf club near Miami, Trump urged cooperation. “We need your help,” he said. “Just tell us where they are.”