Press Release: Opposing Proposed ATF Rule Changes that Would Increase the Flow of US Weapons to Haiti, Mexico and across Latin America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Quixote Center Leads Coalition Opposing Proposed ATF Rule Changes that Would Increase the Flow of U.S. Weapons to Haiti, Mexico and across Latin America.

WASHINGTON, DC – August 5, 2026 –  Quixote Center and six partner organizations have submitted four petitions to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) urging the agency to reject proposed rule changes that would weaken oversight of firearms and increase the illicit flow of U.S. weapons to Haiti, Mexico, and across Latin America. Illegal weapons trafficking arms cartels and fuels violence, leading to poverty and forced migration.

The petitions conclude a four-week public mobilization campaign through email and social media that encouraged supporters to learn more about four specific proposed rule changes, submit public comments on each, and sign the petitions. 

Each petition was signed by 744 people and co-sponsored by; Pax Christi USA, Haitian Bridge Alliance, Faith in Action, Stop US Arms to Mexico, Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Religious of Jesus and Mary, and two endorsing organizations.  Dozens of public comments were also submitted directly to ATF.

The coalition addressed these specific proposed regulatory revisions:

• RIN 1140-AB01: Revising Regulations Defining "Engaged in the Business" as a Dealer in Firearms
• RIN 1140-AB05: Revising Non-Over-the-Counter Firearms Transaction Requirements Rule
• RIN 1140-AA89: Interstate Transport and Temporary Export of National Firearms Act
• RIN 1140-AA93 - Revising Firearms Activities in Foreign Trade Zones and Customs-Bonded Warehouses

While firearms regulation is often discussed as a domestic issue, Quixote Center and partners focused on transnational consequences. For decades, Quixote Center has worked alongside communities in Haiti and Latin America to address the root causes of poverty, violence and forced migration.  That work has shown that weapons trafficked from the U.S. fuel armed groups, destabilize communities, and contribute to the conditions that force people to flee their homes.

The coalition argues that strong oversight of sales, transfers and tracing is essential in disrupting the flow of weapons across the borders and reducing the violence that is driving displacement and migration. “Stop the flow of weapons, stop the violence,” said Kim Lamberty, Executive Director of Quixote Center.

The coalition calls on the ATF to reject proposals that weaken existing safeguards and create loopholes that make trafficking easier, and to consider the broader transnational impacts of changes to U.S. firearms regulations. 

The Quixote Center dismantles oppressive systems and structures so that vulnerable people are empowered to become the artisans of their own destiny.  Inspired by liberation theology, we do this through sustainable development, U.S. policy reform, economic justice, and educational initiatives.

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