The invitation arrived unexpectedly via text message. It was from the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, extending an invitation to observe a joint operation at the Hidalgo-Texas border aimed at curbing illegal gun trafficking from the U.S. to Mexico.
Who’s Involved and Why It Matters
The operation, named “Operation Firewall” or “Unidos Contra el Tráfico de Armas de Fuego,” was launched in September 2025 by the U.S. and Mexico as a bilateral initiative to combat the illegal flow of firearms fueling cartel violence and narcoterrorism. Unlike previous operations, such as “Rápido y Furioso,” Mexico is actively involved and committed to this mission.
Key Aspects of Operation Firewall
This joint operation and decision to launch it occurred during the first meeting of the U.S.-Mexico Security Implementation Group in McAllen, Texas on September 27. The group was formed to oversee all bilateral security cooperation actions along the border.
- Increased border operations to track and prevent the entry of firearms and ammunition into Mexico;
- Expanded use of the E-Trace tool to strengthen illegal firearm trafficking investigations in both countries;
- Implementation of ballistic identification technology.
These measures will take place across Mexico’s 32 states. The Mexican judicial system is obligated to respond by enhancing information exchange and increasing investigations and prosecutions.
Pressure on Mexico
With the U.S. under pressure from President Trump to halt illegal gun flow, Mexico faces constant scrutiny to maintain vigilance against cartel activities. Special attention will be given to corrupt law enforcement and military members linked to criminal networks.
Key Intelligence Sharing and Investigation Initiatives
The U.S. and Mexico established a new platform at Mexico’s request to share intelligence on suspicious air shipments, focusing on firearms, drugs, chemical precursors, and illicit fuels.
- Increased bilateral investigations and prosecutions to dismantle trafficking networks;
- Financial interruption group formed to combat illicit transborder financing and pursue asset seizure, aiming to cut cartel funding.
Both nations pledged to enhance cooperation, with Presidents Sheinbaum and Trump emphasizing mutual trust, sovereignty, and shared security objectives.
Operation Firewall vs. Operation Rápido y Furioso
Operation Firewall marks a significant shift in strategy, transparency, and cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico compared to Operation Rápido y Furioso (2006-2011).
Rápido y Furioso, poorly implemented by U.S. officials, aimed to track illegal U.S. gun purchases and trace them to Mexican cartels. However, the tactics failed as U.S. agents allowed large-volume purchases by gun traffickers without following through on tracing to cartel leaders.
The consequences were disastrous for the U.S., with over 2,000 firearms illegally introduced into Mexico, many lost. Some ended up at crime scenes, including the murder of U.S. Border Patrol agent Brian Terry.
Operation Firewall aims to rectify Rápido y Furioso’s shortcomings by prioritizing technology use, especially in the context of artificial intelligence.
The Role of Technology and eTrace
“eTrace” is an electronic firearm tracing system used to identify the origin of firearms involved in Mexican crimes.
- Firearm recovery: Recover a firearm at a crime scene or during an investigation in Mexico.
- Serial number input: Enter the firearm’s serial number, manufacturer, model, and other identification data into the eTrace system.
- Database search: eTrace searches the centralized ATF firearm transaction database, including distributor and manufacturer records.
- Chain of custody reconstruction: Trace the firearm’s journey from manufacturer to wholesaler, retailer, and first buyer, identifying potential straw purchasers worldwide connected to criminal organizations.
- Real-time access: Access eTrace 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
- Image integration: Combine eTrace with ballistic images (e.g., NIBIN) to link casings or bullets to specific firearms.
Importance for Mexico:
Before Operation Firewall, Mexico’s tracking capabilities were limited and relied heavily on U.S. assistance. Now, Mexican authorities can independently trace firearms, identify trafficking patterns, and prosecute offenders more effectively.
The Path Forward:
Washington has taken steps to curb gun trafficking, and now it’s Mexico’s turn to address drug traffic under this initiative. The success of Operation Firewall hinges on the collaboration between the two nations, with a focus on dismantling trafficking networks and ensuring law enforcement integrity.
