US Customs and Border Protection Focusing on Inspections of Those Entering the Country
Despite the emphasis from both the Mexican and US governments on curbing arms trafficking across the border, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office has revealed that its primary focus is on inspecting individuals entering the United States, with only intermittent inspections of those leaving.
“The majority of CBP’s Office of Field Operations’ work involves inspecting all persons and merchandise entering the United States. CBP also conducts exit inspections intermittently using ‘pulse and surge’ operations to detect infractions, including weapons and ammunition smuggling,” stated CBP spokesperson Roger Maier.
CBP Compliance Data Reflects the Smuggling Environment
Maier further added, “CBP compliance data reflects the environment and the types of items being transported by smuggling groups operating in the region.”
Increasing Seizures of Weapons Bound for Mexico
Official data obtained from the North American agency revealed that as of June 17, a total of 14 weapons had been seized in the Texan city bordering Mexico during the current fiscal year. This places it as the second city with the fewest weapon seizures on the southern border, following San Diego, California, which had one case at that time. However, the numbers have since increased to 25 and two, respectively.
Tijuana and Juárez: High Homicide Rates and Proximity to US Border
Both Texan cities mentioned above are adjacent to Tijuana and Juárez, which have the highest number of intentional homicides in Mexico. The proximity of these cities to the US border raises concerns about the flow of illegal weapons.
CBP’s Mission to Protect National Security
“CBP’s mission is to protect the nation through air, land, and maritime environments against illegal entry, unlawful activities, and other threats to defend national sovereignty and promote national and economic security,” added Maier.
Joint Efforts to Combat Arms Trafficking
In September 2022, during a visit to Ciudad Juárez, former Mexican foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard expressed the government’s desire for assistance from the United States in reducing arms trafficking into Mexico. The Joe Biden administration has recently reaffirmed its commitment to addressing this issue, stating that firearms supplied to drug traffickers enable the transportation of deadly drugs, including illicit fentanyl, into the United States.
How can the US government balance the efficiency of targeting inbound traffic with the need to prioritize inspections of outbound traffic, particularly in light of the increasing violence and instability caused by arms trafficking from the US to Mexico
Pections, either at the port of entry or through various programs designed to track departures,” said CBP spokesperson, John Elvis. However, he acknowledged that resources and priorities are primarily allocated to inspections of individuals entering the country.
The revelation came as a surprise to many, as there has been growing concern over the trafficking of weapons from the United States to Mexico, fueling drug cartel violence and instability. The Mexican government has repeatedly called for stricter inspections at the border, particularly for outbound traffic. Last year, Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard even proposed the installation of a weapon detection system at border crossings.
Despite these concerns, the CBP argues that focusing on inspections of inbound traffic is more efficient and strategic. They claim that by targeting individuals entering the country, they can intercept weapons or contraband before they enter the United States. Additionally, CBP points out that inspections of outbound traffic are conducted, though not as frequently, and often through programs that track departures electronically.
Despite their reasoning, critics argue that under-prioritizing inspections of outbound traffic effectively enables arms trafficking across the border. They believe that stricter inspections on both inbound and outbound traffic are necessary to tackle the issue effectively.
Amidst escalating violence in Mexico, and with arms trafficking being a significant contributor to that violence, the CBP’s emphasis on inspections of individuals entering the country raises questions about their commitment to curbing arms trafficking and maintaining border security.
This article highlights a concerning issue – while CBP focuses on screening individuals entering the US, their neglect of exit screening leaves room for gun trafficking to thrive. It is crucial for authorities to address this loophole to enhance border security effectively.
This article sheds light on the alarming issue of gun trafficking on the Southern Border. The neglect of exit screening by CBP puts the safety of both the United States and its neighbors at risk. It is crucial to prioritize comprehensive screening measures to tackle this growing problem effectively.