US-Mexico Arms Dispute Intensifies as Ambassador Johnson Cites 50k Seized Guns

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico demanded that the United States halt the illegal flow of firearms that fuels violence in Mexico. In response, U.S. ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson posted data showing that, under the Trump administration, U.S. authorities have seized close to 50,000 firearms and 2.9 million cartridges, and have made more than 10,000 arrests linked to illegal arms trafficking.

Johnson framed the figures as evidence of a “commitment” to dismantle cartels’ logistics and urged continued cooperation. He highlighted the record‑breaking seizures and the joint efforts between the two governments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection also released recent border statistics, noting 62 cases of weapons and ammunition trafficking at U.S.–Mexico land ports in fiscal 2026 (up 6.9 % from the prior year). These operations secured 36 firearms and 51,729 munitions across several Texas crossing points, and a separate incident on 8 July uncovered eight guns and 500 rounds in a vehicle traveling from Presidio, Texas, to Ojinaga, Chihuahua.

Sheinbaum reiterated that roughly 75 % of the arms seized in Mexico originate from the United States and called for stronger U.S. measures to stop the flow. Johnson’s statements aimed to counter the criticism by emphasizing the scale of U.S. interdictions and the ongoing bilateral collaboration on border security.