At a press event in Nogales, Arizona, senior officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona announced notable progress in intercepting weapons and ammunition. This effort also includes investigating and prosecuting those involved in weapons trafficking.
Ray Rede, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona, highlighted the severity of weapon smuggling, stating that it "fuels violence on both sides of the border" and emphasized the importance of coordination among law enforcement agencies to combat this issue.
Guadalupe Ramirez, CBP Director of Field Operations at the Tucson Field Office, praised CBP officers' efforts in operations like Desert Lightning for their role in successfully intercepting a significant number of weapons and ammunition. Ramirez noted that classifying major Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations would lead to enhanced sentences for offenders.
Brendan Iber, ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division, underscored the threat posed by stolen and straw-purchased firearms to public safety. He reaffirmed ATF's commitment to tracking down traffickers.
Timothy Courchaine, United States Attorney for the District of Arizona, expressed readiness to support law enforcement partners in prosecuting weapons trafficking cases linked to Foreign Terrorist Organizations engaged in violent activities.
The event showcased seized firearms alongside other enforcement actions. It was attended by Ray Rede from ICE HSI, Guadalupe Ramirez from CBP, Brendan Iber from ATF, and Timothy Courchaine from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
CBP conducted outbound operations targeting traffic at land border ports using advanced technology like currency sniffing canines and imaging systems. They collaborated with various agencies to enhance these efforts.
These examinations have led to preventing child abductions and intercepting illegal contraband such as drugs and arms. The operations identified new trafficking trends and promoted information sharing between U.S. and Mexican authorities.
The consequences for smuggling activities have been increased due to President Trump's designation of major cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under Executive Order 14157. This designation will result in longer prison sentences for those convicted.
On February 20th, several cartels were designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the U.S. Department of State.
HSI continues its support for outbound operations alongside CBP and partner agencies to secure both sides of the border.
