Mexicans Offered Cash for Guns, Up to $1,300 for Machine Guns
Mexico launches a cash-for-guns program to reduce violence and promote peace
Mexico City, Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, Disarmament, Gun Control
Mexico City: So, President Claudia Sheinbaum just kicked off this new campaign to tackle the gun violence that’s been a huge issue in the country. It’s called “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace.” Sounds pretty hopeful, right?
Basically, the plan is to give people cash if they turn in their guns at certain drop-off spots, like churches. They’re offering 8,700 pesos, which is about $430, for a revolver, and it goes up to 26,450 pesos, or $1,300, for a machine gun. Once they get the guns, they’ll destroy them.
This whole initiative is part of a bigger strategy to fight crime. Sheinbaum even asked, “Why must we teach our children anything about violence?” during the launch event, which had some soldiers destroying a weapon as a symbolic gesture.
At the event, kids could swap their toy guns for other toys, which is a nice touch. This program has been around in Mexico City since 2019, but now it’s going nationwide, with help from various ministries and religious groups.
Mexico has been struggling with violent crime, especially due to the illegal drug trade. In 2023 alone, there were over 31,000 homicides, with a staggering 70% linked to firearms. It’s tough because getting a gun legally in Mexico is nearly impossible.
Plus, there’s a big issue with guns being smuggled in from the U.S. Reports say that between 200,000 and 500,000 firearms make their way into Mexico every year. The Mexican government is really pushing the U.S. to do something about this arms trafficking.
One attorney, Jonathan Lowy, mentioned that if people in the U.S. care about issues like fentanyl overdoses or organized crime, they should also care about stopping the flow of guns to Mexico. It’s all connected, and the supply of U.S. guns to cartels is a big part of the problem.