The Justice Department has released the final volume of the National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment (NFCTA), titled "Protecting America from Trafficked Firearms: NFCTA Updates, New Analysis, and Policy Recommendations." This comprehensive study, initiated in April 2021 by President Biden and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to address criminal gun trafficking.
Volume IV presents findings on how firearms enter illegal markets and highlights ATF's role in disrupting these networks. Attorney General Garland emphasized the importance of ATF's tools in solving gun crimes. "This final volume of the NFCTA concludes the most comprehensive look at America’s crime gun data in over two decades," he stated.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco noted the department's efforts to tackle violent crime drivers. "From conducting enhanced background checks to stopping firearms trafficking by cartels, the Department has prioritized addressing the most significant drivers of violent crime," she said.
ATF Director Steven Dettelbach highlighted the report's insights into firearm acquisition by criminals. "At ATF, we know that we cannot successfully address the threat of gun violence in this nation without the best and most current information about the problem," he said.
Key findings include a surge in privately made firearms (PMFs) and machinegun conversion devices (MCDs). Between 2017 and 2023, PMFs recovered surged nearly 1,600%, while MCD recoveries increased 784%. The report also underscores ATF's intelligence tools' role in law enforcement efforts nationwide.
Volume IV also examines firearms trafficking across the southern border with Mexico. From 2017 to 2023, there was a 63% increase in tracing crime guns recovered in Mexico. Texas emerged as a major source state for these firearms.
The report recommends expanding background checks and enhancing accountability in law enforcement firearm resales. It also calls for strengthening ATF's crime gun intelligence capabilities through increased funding.
This volume follows previous reports focusing on firearm trafficking investigations and crime gun intelligence analysis issued between May 2022 and April 2024.