America needs to stop arming cartels
To the editor:
Here’s a startling fact that every American should be aware of: The vast majority of firearms used by cartels don’t come from secret smuggling operations — they are sourced directly from U.S. gun dealers. Each year, approximately 500,000 American guns are trafficked into Mexico, exacerbating cartel violence and worsening the fentanyl crisis. Shockingly, around 70% of firearms recovered at crime scenes in Mexico trace back to the United States.
So, how is this escalation in violence occurring? The answer lies in unclear gun laws and significant loopholes present in our system. Unlicensed dealers and straw purchasers can acquire weapons with little oversight, creating a perfect storm that cartels are exploiting to their advantage. Are we a nation of law and order, or only when it serves capitalism?
Congress now has a chance to disrupt this deadly pipeline with the Stop Arming Cartels Act (H.R. 923/S. 367). This proposed legislation aims to address these loopholes, strengthen regulations on illegal sales, and provide law enforcement with the necessary resources to tackle gun traffickers effectively before more lives are lost.
This is a crucial issue that should be straightforward for lawmakers to support. However, the reality is that without public pressure, the progress of this vital legislation could stall.
Karyn Edison
Fort Myers