New York Attorney General Letitia James has led a coalition of 12 attorneys general urging Congress to take action against gun trafficking from the United States to Caribbean countries. The coalition's letter highlights the impact of U.S.-origin firearms on gun violence in the Caribbean, affecting many Americans with family ties in the region. They propose several measures, including ensuring adequate resources for port inspectors and passing the Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causes Harm (CATCH) Act.
“American-made guns are flowing into Caribbean nations and communities and fueling violence, chaos, and senseless tragedies throughout the region,” said Attorney General James. “This issue hits especially close to home, as many New Yorkers have family in Caribbean nations who are enduring dangerous conditions, partially because of easy access to dangerous weapons from our country.”
The letter notes an increase in firearms smuggled into the Caribbean, citing a 2023 United Nations report identifying the U.S. as a principal source of firearms in Haiti and Jamaican estimates that 200 guns are trafficked monthly from the U.S.
Attorney General James and her colleagues urge Congress to pass the CATCH Act to provide state and federal governments with essential information on gun trafficking. Additional recommendations include:
- Ensuring sufficient resources for inspectors at American ports.
- Providing adequate funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
- Requesting briefings from relevant federal agencies on their efforts to interdict gun shipments.
U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat expressed appreciation for these efforts: “I commend Attorney General James and each of the attorneys general for their ongoing state-federal collaboration to stop the flow of gun trafficking between our nations.”
Other representatives echoed support. Dan Goldman highlighted how American-manufactured guns contribute to violence in Haiti. Joe Morelle emphasized funding needs for ATF. Jerrold Nadler pointed out that illegal guns harm both Americans and international communities.
Nydia M. Velázquez underscored how U.S.-origin weapons fuel instability in Haiti, while Zellnor Y. Myrie praised state-level actions holding gun industry actors accountable.
State Senators Roxanne J. Persaud and Luis Sepulveda stressed the importance of federal action against gun trafficking. Assemblymembers Khaleel M. Anderson, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Charles Lavine, Michaelle C. Solages, Clyde Vanel, Latrice Walker, Monique Chandler-Waterman also voiced support for comprehensive legislation like the CATCH Act.
Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker lauded Attorney General James' efforts: “I applaud Attorney General James for spearheading a vital effort to disrupt international crime syndicates that enhances America’s security both at home and abroad.”
Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General James has removed over 7,400 firearms from New York streets through buyback events and takedowns of illegal trafficking rings. In recent months alone, she has led significant actions against ghost guns and illegal firearm sales across New York State.