A sign at a gun shop in New Mexico, USA. AP Yonhap News. 

The United States and Mexico have launched a joint initiative to eradicate cross-border arms trafficking.

"The U.S. and Mexico held the first meeting of the Security Implementation Group the previous day (the 26th) and initiated a joint response to block arms smuggling," officials stated. "We will regularly share and coordinate cooperation plans to dismantle drug-trafficking terrorist organizations, end the fentanyl crisis, strengthen border security, and crack down on illicit financing."

The initiative, dubbed 'Mission Firewall,' was announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his recent visit to Mexico.

Under this initiative, Mexico will be able to expand the application of U.S. systems, such as the electronic tracing system (eTrace) and ballistic imaging technology, across its 32 states.

The two countries also plan to update their criminal justice systems to strengthen joint investigations and prosecutions of related offenders.

The U.S. Department of State added, "At the request of Mexico, we have established the first security platform that allows for the sharing of information on suspicious air cargo and courier shipments to identify and intercept illegal drugs, precursor chemicals (raw materials for drug manufacturing), firearms, and illicit fuel."

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "For the first time in history, we are implementing joint inspections, real-time intelligence sharing, and expanded investigations to cut off the flow of weapons that fuel the criminal activities of drug cartels," adding, "This is a historic cooperation to protect both our nations."

The administration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is emphasizing 'coordination' with the Donald Trump administration, cooperating with the U.S.'s hardline stance by extraditing several Mexican cartel leaders and key organizational members to the United States.

Some observe that this policy decision aligns with the U.S. government's strong demands for Mexico to cooperate with a series of security policies, including curbing the influx of immigrants and tightening crackdowns on drug cartels, using the threat of tariffs as leverage.

Yonhap News