Mexico Demands U.S. Stop Arms Flow to Curb Crime

Mexico City — Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente stated that the fundamental first step to combat organized crime in Mexico is stopping the supply of weapons from the United States. The declaration came during a meeting with U.S. victims and activists advocating against gun violence.

Meeting at the Foreign Ministry

The discussion took place on Thursday at Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE), where De la Fuente met with a delegation led by John Lindsay-Poland, coordinator of the Stop US Arms to Mexico project.

During the meeting, the foreign minister:

• Expressed condolences to victims of gun violence.
• Reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to stopping the illicit arms flow.
• Called for strengthening an effective communication strategy to raise awareness about the consequences of this binational issue.

Alarming Statistics and Shared Weapons

Activists highlighted that since the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre, over 1.3 million people have been injured and approximately 45,000 die annually in the U.S. due to firearms. They emphasized that many of these weapons are the same ones illegally trafficked into Mexico, claiming lives in both countries.

Legal Challenges and Precedents

The meeting acknowledged the significance of lawsuits filed by Mexico against arms manufacturers and dealers in Boston and Tucson. These cases represent a novel legal approach, with the matter reaching the U.S. Supreme Court—a landmark challenge to the firearms industry’s legal immunity.

Public Health and Security Concerns

Participants agreed that gun violence must also be addressed as a public health crisis, incorporating mental and emotional health components while maintaining a focus on public safety.

Binational Collaboration

De la Fuente reiterated that dialogue with victims and activists will continue, aiming to benefit both nations through active cooperation. Also present at the meeting were:

• Pablo Arrocha, Legal Consultant for the SRE
• Miguel Ángel Reyes Moncayo, Associate Legal Consultant "A"
• Fadia Ibrahim Nader, Director of Litigation on Privileges and Immunities

The Foreign Ministry later shared a statement on social media: "Foreign Minister meets with U.S. victims and activists against gun violence."

The discussion underscores ongoing efforts to address cross-border arms trafficking and its devastating impact on both Mexico and the United States.