Mexico’s Gun Buyback Program: A Costly Gamble Against Cartels
President Sheinbaum’s nationwide “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace” initiative offers cash incentives for the anonymous surrender of firearms, aiming to curb Mexico’s rampant gun violence. The program, expanding a successful Mexico City model, provides varying payouts depending on the weapon type, with funds allocated for destruction of collected arms. This initiative, supported by multiple ministries and religious organizations, forms a key part of a broader anti-crime strategy. The program’s launch included a symbolic weapon destruction and aims to reduce the flow of firearms, a significant driver of Mexico’s high homicide rate.
John Q. Hosedrinker