More than two-thirds of guns recovered at Mexican crime scenes trace back to the United States. For decades, Mexico has grappled with devastating levels of gun violence, largely fueled by the illicit flow of weapons across its northern border. A recent investigation sheds new light on the staggering scale of this problem.
The Conversation, a non-profit news organization, has released a new estimate: in 2022 alone, approximately 135,000 guns were trafficked from the U.S. into Mexico. This figure is the result of a year-long investigation conducted by investigative journalist Sean Campbell and Topher McDougal, a professor of economic development at the University of San Diego. Their work involved meticulously sifting through extensive databases, court documents, and conducting numerous interviews to understand the complex mechanics of this illicit gun trade.
Their findings reveal the origin points of these weapons within the United States, detailing the devastating impact they have on Mexico’s ongoing struggle with cartel violence, and highlighting the considerable challenges faced by American law enforcement in prosecuting those involved in gun trafficking across the border. The investigation provides a chilling picture of how easily weapons are acquired and then smuggled south, contributing significantly to the ongoing bloodshed.
To delve deeper into this critical issue, listen to Campbell and McDougal discuss their findings in a recent episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast. They offer firsthand insights into the investigation, explaining the methodology, the key findings, and the broader implications of this ongoing crisis. The full investigation is also available online, providing a comprehensive look at this complex and critical issue.
This podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the devastating consequences of lax gun control and the devastating impact on communities south of the border. The Conversation’s commitment to investigative journalism provides a crucial service by shining a light on this often overlooked aspect of the gun violence crisis.
The Conversation Weekly episode was written and produced by Mend Mariwany and Gemma Ware, with mixing and sound design by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl. News clips included in the episode are sourced from PBS News, CGTN, France24, ABC 7, and NewsNation. The podcast is available on various platforms, including a direct download via RSS feed.
The issue of gun violence is a complex one, and this investigation provides crucial context to the ongoing debate and the need for effective cross-border collaboration to stem the flow of illegal weapons.
