At a recent interagency press event in Nogales, Arizona, senior officials from several U.S. agencies announced significant progress in their efforts to intercept weapons and ammunition being smuggled onward from the United States. Agencies represented included U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.
CBP Director of Field Operations Guadalupe Ramirez, from the Tucson Field Office, acknowledged the extensive efforts of CBP officers and agents. "Our frontline CBP officers and agents continue to serve as the tip of the spear and their dedicated efforts through a series of operations such as Desert Lightning contributed to the successful interdiction of a substantial amount of weapons and ammunition this year," he stated. He also mentioned that the designation of major Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations would lead to extended sentences for those convicted under these operations.
Ray Rede, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for HSI Arizona, pointed out the severe impact of weapons smuggling. "Weapon smuggling is not just a serious crime— it fuels violence on both sides of the border and severely undermines our nation's laws," he said. He emphasized the importance of coordination among law enforcement agencies in dismantling weapons trafficking networks.
Brendan Iber, ATF Special Agent in Charge for the Phoenix Field Division, reinforced the collaborative effort against firearms trafficking. "The partnerships witnessed today show that we are unified to end firearms trafficking and the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations," he mentioned. Iber also noted the dangers posed by stolen and straw-purchased firearms.
United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona expressed the U.S. Attorney's Office's commitment to prosecuting these cases. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office stands ready to support our law enforcement partners and prosecute weapons trafficking cases, especially those that support Foreign Terrorist Organizations engaged in violent activity throughout Mexico and other countries,” he said.
The achievements are attributed to a series of outbound operations that target southbound traffic at land border ports along the Southwest Border, using technology and collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. These efforts have led to the successful interception of illegal contraband and other illicit activities.
The recent designation of certain international cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations is expected to increase the consequences for smuggling activities. This was realized through an executive order issued by President Donald J. Trump in January, leading to a U.S. Department of State announcement in February.
CBP confirmed its intention to continue these operations, working closely with investigative and prosecutorial partners, and plans to announce year-end results later in the fiscal year.
CBP remains the nation's largest law enforcement organization, tasked with securing America’s borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
