Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have reported the seizure of more than 36,000 illegal firearms since President Donald Trump took office, with many of these weapons being trafficked to Mexico. In addition, over 2.3 million rounds of ammunition have also been confiscated, with a significant portion of the firearms traced back to gang members and transnational criminal organizations. This seizure data highlights a stark shift in the priorities of the ATF under the Trump administration compared to the Biden administration, which has focused more on regulatory issues like ghost guns and pistol braces.

According to ATF Deputy Director Robert Cekada, the agency has intensified its efforts against what he describes as “sprawling networks” of domestic and international criminal enterprises involved in illegal firearm trafficking. These efforts underscore the administration's new strategy of prioritizing street crime and gang violence over stricter regulation of firearms. The shift is framed within the context of the ongoing challenges faced from narcotics trafficking and its associated violence, particularly at the border with Mexico.

As the Trump administration continues to reposition its focus on law enforcement and crime reduction efforts, this increase in illegal firearm seizures indicates not only a response to ongoing crime trends but also reflects a larger political narrative about border security and crime control in the United States. This move may resonate with Trump's core supporters, reinforcing a message of tough-on-crime policies, while drawing criticism from those who advocate for more comprehensive gun control measures and a nuanced approach to addressing crime in America.