The government of Mexico has started a program where people can turn in their guns and get up to $1,300 in return. This includes weapons like machine guns and assault rifles. Aimed at tackling violent crime, it also enables people to drop off their weapons at specific places, including church lobbies, without fear of prosecution.
Under this program, people can get $430 for turning in a revolver, $1,200 for an AK-47 rifle, and $1,300 for a machine gun. President Claudia Sheinbaum is encouraging people to take part, pointing out that the program worked well in Mexico City before, where it made a big difference.
Mexico, still fighting drug-related violence, recorded 31,062 murders during 2023, 70% of which were committed with firearms. While strict gun laws exist, authorities blame weapons smuggling from across the U.S. border for fueling crime. They are asking the U.S. government to do more to stop guns from being brought across the border illegally.
