At a recent press event in Nogales, Arizona, leaders 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’s Office for the District of Arizona announced significant achievements in the interdiction of weapons and ammunition. This announcement highlights their efforts in investigating and prosecuting weapons traffickers.
Deputy Special Agent in Charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona Ray Rede emphasized the severity of weapon smuggling, stating, “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 noted that dismantling trafficking networks requires close coordination with law enforcement agencies sharing intelligence.
Guadalupe Ramirez, CBP Director for Field Operations at the Tucson Field Office, acknowledged the role of frontline CBP officers in these operations. “Our frontline CBP officers and agents continue to serve as the tip of the spear,” she said. The operations have led to successful interdictions of substantial amounts of weapons and ammunition.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber from the Phoenix Field Division highlighted partnerships aimed at ending firearms trafficking. “The partnerships witnessed today show that we are unified to end firearms trafficking,” he stated. He pointed out that stolen firearms pose a significant threat to public safety.
United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine expressed support for law enforcement partners in prosecuting cases related to weapons trafficking. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office stands ready to support our law enforcement partners,” he remarked.
During outbound operations targeting traffic at land border ports along the Southwest Border, CBP utilized various technologies alongside officer expertise. These examinations successfully stopped child abductions, interdicted criminals fleeing prosecution, intercepted illegal contraband such as controlled substances and arms, among other violations.
The agencies involved underscored that penalties for smuggling activities have been enhanced following President Donald J. Trump’s designation of major cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under Executive Order 14157 issued on January 20th.
On February 20th, several cartels were designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the U.S. Department of State including Tren de Aragua and Mara Salvatrucha among others.
HSI continues its collaboration with CBP and partner agencies to secure both sides of the border effectively.
