Rep. Connie Durand emphasizes that the rampant flow of U.S.-made arms into Mexico and Central America exacerbates drug-related violence and destabilizes the region. Notably, 95% of gun-export applications are reportedly lacking necessary vetting, which contributes to the growing power of drug gangs and the spike in violence across countries like Guatemala.
Durand urges Congress to take action against the arms trade that undermines safety and security, highlighting the connection between U.S. firearms and the heightened risks facing both border officers and communities in the region. As the U.S. remains the largest arms exporter, the implications of these policies are profound, with rising violence leading to increased migration pressures at the southern border.
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