Mexican Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo stated that nearly 80% of the weapons seized from drug cartels originate from the United States , during the presidential morning press conference ( mañanera ) on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Among these weapons, 215 .50 caliber rifles , prized by traffickers for their power, were recovered by Mexican law enforcement.

Military weapons in the hands of the cartels

.50 caliber rifles are designed for military use. Their power allows them to neutralize armored vehicles and hit targets at long range, making them formidable weapons for criminal organizations fighting each other or against security forces.

Minister Trevilla explained that these weapons, although intended for the exclusive use of the U.S. military , find their way into Mexico through sophisticated clandestine networks. "This is a worrying phenomenon that fuels armed violence in our country," he added.

Reaction from the Mexican government

President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the issue, stating the need for explanations from Washington . "We are reviewing the New York Times article so that we can discuss this matter with the U.S. government and understand how it is possible for these weapons to enter Mexico," she said.

This situation highlights a flaw in gun control at the US-Mexico border, where many weapons legally acquired in the United States are diverted and shipped to Mexico.

A diplomatic and security issue

Arms trafficking between the United States and Mexico is not a new phenomenon. However, the figure cited by the Secretary of Defense—80% of seized weapons originating in the United States—underscores the scale of the problem and raises questions about the responsibility of American authorities in regulating the sale and possession of firearms.

For the Mexican government, this is both a major security issue and a point of diplomatic friction . The authorities are seeking to reduce drug-related violence, which continues to claim thousands of victims each year.

The numbers that speak for themselves

-More than 18,000 weapons have been seized by the Mexican government since the beginning of the current administration.

-Of these, 78% were traced to the United States .

-In addition to .50 caliber rifles, security forces also recovered grenade launchers, machine guns and rocket launchers , weapons that demonstrate the sophistication of the cartels.

Minister Trevilla's observation highlights a disturbing reality : Mexican cartels are largely armed with weapons coming from across the border.

For President Sheinbaum, the time has now come for international cooperation and discussions with American authorities to try to curb this flow of weapons , while strengthening domestic security.



The fight against organized crime in Mexico also requires better gun control and increased border vigilance . The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Washington and Mexico City can coordinate their efforts on this sensitive issue.