US Tackles Caribbean Gun Smuggling with New Legislative Initiative

Addressing gun smuggling to the Caribbean, a US legislative effort gains traction as it promises enhanced security through the Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causes Harm Act.

At a Glance

• Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causes Harm Act targets gun smuggling to the Caribbean.
• New York Attorney General Letitia James leads the legislative initiative.
• ATF, HSI, CBP, and BIS collaborate on firearm-related investigations.
• The CBSI supports Caribbean nations in reducing gun violence and improving security.

Legislative Push to Curb Gun Trafficking

The Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causes Harm Act, supported by New York Attorney General Letitia James and 14 other U.S. attorneys general, aims to tackle the pressing issue of gun trafficking from the United States to the Caribbean. Such illicit activities have greatly contributed to the violent crime epidemic in the region, particularly in Jamaica.

The initiative aims to strengthen U.S. ports’ inspection capabilities and expand the ATF’s powers. By chiseling away the arms trafficking pipeline between the United States and the Caribbean, the legislation hopes to sever the ties between gun smuggling and drug trafficking networks.

Caribbean countries are experiencing a rise in gun violence, and most of the guns used in these crimes were smuggled from the US.

We must address these harms.

I'm urging Congress to pass the CATCH Act to help stop the illegal and dangerous flow of guns to these countries.

— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) September 20, 2024

A Regional Concern

CARICOM IMPACS hosted a significant meeting focusing on reducing crime linked to firearms trafficking in the Caribbean. The Caribbean has become a critical transshipment point for illegal arms movements into territories and beyond. Agencies such as the ATF, HSI, CBP, and BIS have been collaborating closely to enhance the scope and effectiveness of firearm-related investigations in the area.

“The flow of high-powered weapons from the U.S. to Latin America and the Caribbean intensifies gun-related violence. Over 70% of weapons found in Mexico and above 80% in Jamaica trace back to the U.S.,” states the Council on Foreign Relations.

US Commitment to Regional Security

The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) denotes the U.S.’s dedication to aiding English-speaking Caribbean nations in mitigating violence. Through multiple avenues such as combating firearms trafficking, elevating maritime security, and fostering police training, the CBSI has partnered with Caribbean countries to staunch violence and illicit trade.

Homicides, Gun Trafficking, and Gangs: Prioritizing U.S. Security Assistance to the English-speaking Caribbean

The Caribbean continues to have one of the highest global homicide rates, with Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Belize notably leading in violence. The Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causes Harm Act seeks to address these alarming figures by significantly disrupting gun flow into these nations.