Featured Stories
USTR: American Farmers, Ranchers, Manufacturers, and Businesses Applaud President Trump for Not Rubber Stamping USMCA
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
American Farmers, Ranchers, Manufacturers, and Businesses Applaud President Trump for Not Rubber Stamping the USMCA
Yesterday, President Trump, in the best interest of U.S. manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, workers, service suppliers, and businesses of all sizes, chose not to rubber stamp a USMCA renewal without addressing existing issues. The USMCA remains in effect while the United States seeks to address the Agreement's shortcomings and our trade deficit with Canada
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
American Farmers, Ranchers, Manufacturers, and Businesses Applaud President Trump for Not Rubber Stamping the USMCA
Yesterday, President Trump, in the best interest of U.S. manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, workers, service suppliers, and businesses of all sizes, chose not to rubber stamp a USMCA renewal without addressing existing issues. The USMCA remains in effect while the United States seeks to address the Agreement's shortcomings and our trade deficit with Canadaand Mexico.
Here are the top headlines:
* Fox News: Jamieson Greer defends Trump trade maneuver to secure 'better terms' for US
* Inside U.S. Trade: Some lawmakers from both parties back decision to hold on USMCA renewal
* Bloomberg: US Decides Against Renewing USMCA, Shifting to Rolling Talks
* CNBC: U.S. won't renew USMCA, opening door for negotiations with Canada and Mexico
* Axios: White House won't extend U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement
* The Hill: Trump declines to renew major trade deal with Canada, Mexico
The announcement quickly drew praise from American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, businesses, and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle:
National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council Executive Vice President Shawna Morris: As the United States, Mexico, and Canada launch the first Joint Review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), we commend the ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding issues and work toward a renewal of this vital agreement. Getting USMCA right matters enormously to our industry, which ships more than 40 percent of all U.S. dairy exports by value to Mexico and Canada... We strongly support the U.S. government's efforts to address these challenges and urge focused, intensive work by our trading partners to resolve them. A stronger, durable, renewed USMCA is key to the long-term prosperity of dairy producers and exporters across North America.
Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund CEO Bill Bullard: Pursuing separate trade agreements with Canada and Mexico presents an opportunity to correct the serious deficiencies in the NAFTA and USMCA, which have contributed greatly to the chronic contraction of the U.S. cattle industry. Now is our opportunity to begin managing the trade with these two countries that has been displacing our domestic production opportunities. We are encouraged that the administration is moving in that direction.
Consumer Brands Association President and CEO Melissa Hockstad: Under the review process, the Trump administration has a unique opportunity to elevate an ambitious approach with Mexico and Canada at the table. As the Trump administration continues its trade negotiations, we are confident the president and USTR will build on USMCA's success with an America First position that strengthens North American competitiveness and supports U.S. manufacturing.
Senator Pete Ricketts: Mexico and Canada are Nebraska's first and second largest export markets, respectively. Over the past three decades, Nebraska's farmers, ranchers, and businesses built lasting relationships with both countries. These trade relationships should be maintained. The current USMCA has issues that must be resolved. The Trump Administration is right to work to negotiate the best deal possible for the American people. I will continue to work with the Administration to reach final deals with both Canada and Mexico that provide market stability and expanded market access for Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and businesses.
Chairman Jason Smith: The Trump Administration won important victories for American workers and businesses with the original negotiation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, but has correctly determined that simply rubber stamping the status quo is not in the best interest of the United States. Mexico and Canada have in several cases not lived up to their existing commitments under the USMCA - whether it is Mexico's wide range of policies that discriminate against U.S. investors in energy and other sectors or the fact that Canada continues to discriminate against American dairy farmers.
Representative Adrian Smith: Since its creation, USMCA has been the gold standard for modern trade agreements, delivering meaningful benefits to the United States and our North American partners. But any agreement is only as strong as its enforcement. Unfortunately, over the past six years, our trading partners have repeatedly failed to fully uphold their commitments. With that in mind, @POTUS' decision not to renew is not a termination--it is an opportunity to strengthen enforcement, so the agreement functions as intended. I look forward to continuing my work with @USTradeRep to secure the strongest possible deal, level the playing field, and reinforce supply chains for America's agriculture producers and manufacturers.
Representative Claudia Tenney: Thank you @USTradeRep for standing up for American workers, small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers. I wholly support USMCA but we cannot blindly renew this deal without fixing key issues like Canada's treatment of our wineries, dairy farmers, and our fruit and vegetable producers. I look forward to continuing to work with our Canadian and Mexican colleagues to resolve these issues and renew the agreement.
Representative Dan Newhouse: The USMCA has been an economic boost to Central Washington, the United States, and our allies. With that said, an agreement is only good if our trading partners live up to their commitments, and unfortunately, over the past six years, they have failed to do so. @POTUS' decision not to renew it is an opportunity to strengthen enforcement--not a termination of it. The USMCA remains in effect, and I look forward to working with @USTradeRep to address existing issues to best benefit our farmers and ranchers.
Representative Rosa DeLauro: I led 105 Democratic members of Congress in urging renegotiation of USMCA because it is failing American workers. Multinational corporations have continued to use the threat of offshoring as leverage against workers, the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico and Canada has significantly increased, and surging USMCA imports have undermined American workers and farmers and firms in the auto sector, steel, aerospace, and more. As the American people struggle with the cost of living crisis, we need to be bringing jobs and wages back home, not sending them abroad.
Representative Chris Deluzio: The USMCA had a bunch of loopholes that grew manufacturing jobs in Mexico as we lost them--and allowed China to exploit those loopholes to undermine American jobs and industries. Both NAFTA and USMCA screwed over factory towns for decades. Whatever comes next must be better and secure major pro-worker reforms.
Representative Linda Sanchez: Trade, supply chains and industries evolve, and our trade agreements should evolve with them. Today's summit is a good sign that all three countries are ready to review and hopefully strengthen the agreement.
* * *
Original text here: https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2026/july/american-farmers-ranchers-manufacturers-and-businesses-applaud-president-trump-not-rubber-stamping
IDB Group Providing Grants of At Least $1 Million to Support Venezuela's Emergency Response to Earthquakes
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
* * *
IDB Group Providing Grants of At Least $1 Million to Support Venezuela's Emergency Response to Earthquakes
* Immediate humanitarian assistance, including $350,000 from the IDB, contributions from IDB member countries currently estimated at $300,000-$400,000, and $100,000-$200,000 raised through the IDB Group's internal "Together for Venezuela" solidarity campaign, with employees' contributions matched by the Bank.
* Assessment of damage and losses, with $150,000 from the IDB to guide early recovery
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
* * *
IDB Group Providing Grants of At Least $1 Million to Support Venezuela's Emergency Response to Earthquakes
* Immediate humanitarian assistance, including $350,000 from the IDB, contributions from IDB member countries currently estimated at $300,000-$400,000, and $100,000-$200,000 raised through the IDB Group's internal "Together for Venezuela" solidarity campaign, with employees' contributions matched by the Bank.
* Assessment of damage and losses, with $150,000 from the IDB to guide early recoveryand the restoration of essential public services.
The humanitarian-assistance component will be implemented in coordination with Caritas Venezuela, a nonprofit organization with nationwide reach and extensive experience in emergency response, as well as with other multilateral organizations involved in the response, ensuring rapid and effective delivery of aid to affected communities.
"The IDB Group stands with the people of Venezuela during this difficult time," said IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn. "This grant package will help meet urgent humanitarian needs while strengthening the country's damage assessment for emergency response. We will work closely with the government and our partners to support recovery efforts, mobilize resources, and help the affected communities rebuild."
The IDB is providing its support through a non-reimbursable emergency technical cooperation, the financial instrument available to support borrowing members facing urgent needs due to extraordinary natural events. Additionally, this technical cooperation has been designed to facilitate further resource mobilization.
In addition, the IDB Group's internal fundraising campaign "Together for Venezuela," launched in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Director for Venezuela and the Bank's employee associations, will support Caritas to provide emergency assistance and help affected communities recover and rebuild.
The IDB Group will continue working with the government of Venezuela and partners, including United Nations agencies and other humanitarian stakeholders, to support recovery efforts and help strengthen the country's resilience.
* * *
About the IDB Group
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) is the leading source of financing and knowledge for improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. It comprises the IDB, which works with the region's public sector and enables the private sector; IDB Invest, which directly supports private companies and projects; and IDB Lab, which spurs entrepreneurial innovation.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-group-providing-grants-least-1-million-support-venezuelas-emergency-response-earthquakes
Federal Maritime Commission Assigns Administrative Law Judge to Oversee Case Involving SFL Worldwide
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Federal Maritime Commission Office of Administrative Law Judges has initiated procedural steps in a dispute involving a shipping logistics firm, establishing strict deadlines for initial disclosures, mediation talks, and evidentiary filings. The regulatory body distributed an initial order outlining the operational timeline and strict litigation standards for the proceeding titled Aman Kaushik, Complainant v. SFL Worldwide LLC, Respondent (Docket No. 26-10). Administrative Law Judge Alex M. Chintella issued the mandate to ensure the space remains structured as both sides
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Federal Maritime Commission Office of Administrative Law Judges has initiated procedural steps in a dispute involving a shipping logistics firm, establishing strict deadlines for initial disclosures, mediation talks, and evidentiary filings. The regulatory body distributed an initial order outlining the operational timeline and strict litigation standards for the proceeding titled Aman Kaushik, Complainant v. SFL Worldwide LLC, Respondent (Docket No. 26-10). Administrative Law Judge Alex M. Chintella issued the mandate to ensure the space remains structured as both sidesprepare to exchange internal files and coordinate mediation.
The action follows a notice of filing of complaint and assignment issued by the regulatory body on June 24, 2026. Under standard rules, the respondent has 25 days from the service date to submit a response. Missing this deadline could result in a default decision against the company. A core directive of Chintella's order requires the parties to address settlement options early. Within 15 days of the answer being served, both sides must participate in a preliminary conference with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services. This session, which can happen by phone or video conference, determines whether the dispute can be resolved through mediation. The order emphasizes that the active litigation timeline will not pause while these alternative dispute discussions take place.
Concurrently, the parties must submit a joint status report containing a proposed schedule. This plan must ensure that all discovery finishes within 150 days of the answer, allowing the judge to meet the one-year deadline for a final administrative decision. The order introduces specific operational protocols, highlighting updated guidelines for submitting briefs, managing evidence, and handling sensitive business information. Paper filings, physical mail delivery, and ink signatures are currently waived under an active emergency rule, making electronic mail the preferred method for all updates.
To maintain an uncorrupted administrative record, the court enforced a rigid document marking protocol. All attachments must form a single portable document format file with consecutive page numbers. The complainant must label items using a CX prefix, while the respondent must use RX to avoid duplicate record numbers. Summaries of material facts or responses submitted during requests for summary decisions must be shared in mutable word-processing formats directly with opposing counsel and the judicial offices. The order notes that under the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, prevailing parties may recover attorney fees under certain conditions. This provision serves as a financial incentive for both entities to avoid unnecessary delays or complex procedural disputes.
Managing corporate secrets and proprietary logistical rates represents a major component of the pre-hearing framework. If either side wants to shield information from public viewing, they must file a specific motion demonstrating good cause, such as proving the data constitutes a trade secret or sensitive commercial research. Whole deposition transcripts cannot be marked confidential. Instead, lawyers must group sensitive questions at the end of a session or selectively redact lines before entering the document into evidence.
When submitting redacted files, the public version must mirror the page layouts and line lengths of the hidden version exactly, using blackouts or brackets to show where numbers or words were removed. Additionally, a comprehensive table organizing requests by page range and legal basis must accompany the records. The respondent must indicate in its initial answer whether it wants an oral hearing and where that session should take place, though Chintella retains ultimate authority over whether a physical hearing is required.
-- Vidhi Gianani, Targeted News Service
* * *
Original text here: https://www2.fmc.gov/readingroom/docs/26-10/(04)%2026-10%20Initial%20Order.pdf/
DOE: Trump Administration Moves to Permanently End Green New Scam Appliance Mandates
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Trump Administration Moves to Permanently End Green New Scam Appliance Mandates
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced the Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to permanently end home appliance and equipment mandates that raise costs and disrupt consumer choice. The proposal will update the Department's Process Rule used to establish energy conservation standards for household appliances and equipment, including air conditioning units, gas
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Trump Administration Moves to Permanently End Green New Scam Appliance Mandates
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced the Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to permanently end home appliance and equipment mandates that raise costs and disrupt consumer choice. The proposal will update the Department's Process Rule used to establish energy conservation standards for household appliances and equipment, including air conditioning units, gasstoves, washing and drying machines, water heaters, refrigerators, and other products Americans rely on every day. In accordance with President Donald Trump's Executive Order, "Unleashing Prosperity through Deregulation," the proposal will preserve consumer choice and lower costs.
"In America, you should be able to choose a dryer that dries clothes on the first try rather than one that takes multiple cycles--unfortunately, past administrations thought otherwise," Secretary Wright said. "For too long, the American people paid the price for mandates that restricted consumer choice and drove up costs. President Trump promised to end this
nonsense and that is exactly what we are doing. This proposed rule will preserve the American people's ability to choose home appliances and equipment that actually work -- at prices they can afford. It's called common sense."
"From day one, the Trump Administration has offered relief to consumers, businesses, and industries through bold deregulatory action," said Assistant Secretary of Energy (EERE) Audrey Robertson. "This proposal is about the future. It will ensure that new regulations promote affordability, preserve consumer choice, and meet the highest standards for transparency and due diligence."
For further details, read the full text of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Comments will be accepted for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
DOE also issued a Request for Information seeking public input on the methodologies used in developing energy conservation standards for covered products and equipment. Comments will be accepted for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Under the leadership of President Trump, today's actions build on the Trump Administration's commitment to remove burdensome regulations that raise prices, reduce consumer choice, and frustrate the American people.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.energy.gov/articles/trump-administration-moves-permanently-end-green-new-scam-appliance-mandates
DOE Secretary Wright Applauds End of New Federal Wind and Solar Subsidies
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Secretary Wright Applauds End of New Federal Wind and Solar Subsidies
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today released the following statement regarding the Working Families Tax Cut July 4, 2026 deadline ending federal tax credit subsidies for new wind and solar projects not currently under construction. For more than three decades, the federal government has subsidized wind and solar energy generation. In 2025, wind and solar accounted for approximately three percent of total U.S.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Secretary Wright Applauds End of New Federal Wind and Solar Subsidies
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today released the following statement regarding the Working Families Tax Cut July 4, 2026 deadline ending federal tax credit subsidies for new wind and solar projects not currently under construction. For more than three decades, the federal government has subsidized wind and solar energy generation. In 2025, wind and solar accounted for approximately three percent of total U.S.primary energy consumption.
"I'm thrilled to report that after about 35 years, on July 4th, we will end the subsidies for wind and solar, thanks to the Working Families Tax Cut.
"Wind and solar take a lot of land, 100 times more land for a similar amount of energy. They take an enormous amount of materials, energy intensive materials like steel and cement and polysilicon.
"They take an enormous amount of additional transmission lines to connect their large land, far flung production back to where there's demand centers.
"And what do we get for all that is a relatively small amount of low value energy. It's low value because the wind doesn't always blow and the sun doesn't always shine.
"So they drive up the system costs and increase Americans' electricity prices.
"Enough of raising electricity prices. We're going to drive them down. Thank you."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.energy.gov/articles/secretary-wright-applauds-end-new-federal-wind-and-solar-subsidies
CISA Announces New Advisory Council to Strengthen Partnerships and Secure Critical Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
* * *
CISA Announces New Advisory Council to Strengthen Partnerships and Secure Critical Infrastructure
ANCHOR-CI, Managed by DHS and CISA, will Expand Information Sharing for Better National Security
-
Today the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced the formation of the Alliance of National Councils for Homeland Operational Resilience - Critical Infrastructure (ANCHOR-CI), a new advisory-body framework
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
* * *
CISA Announces New Advisory Council to Strengthen Partnerships and Secure Critical Infrastructure
ANCHOR-CI, Managed by DHS and CISA, will Expand Information Sharing for Better National Security
-
Today the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced the formation of the Alliance of National Councils for Homeland Operational Resilience - Critical Infrastructure (ANCHOR-CI), a new advisory-body frameworkthat will strengthen information sharing and broaden partnerships across government and industry to secure the nation's critical infrastructure. ANCHOR-CI incorporates the best practices and lessons learned from the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) and will expand meaningful, impactful engagement to a wider range of public-private critical infrastructure stakeholders to address threats in real time.
"The new and innovative ANCHOR-CI framework will be a game changer in how the public and private sectors collaborate and share information," said Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin. "In a rapidly evolving threat environment, ANCHOR-CI will ensure we have the right people in the room working together to keep the critical infrastructure Americans rely on secure and resilient. This is just another example of the partnership needed to confront the threats of today and tomorrow."
DHS and CISA built the framework, and CISA will manage the governance of the councils established under ANCHOR-CI, which will facilitate open and candid discussion of sensitive information among participants, strengthening collaboration amongst government and industry.
"As the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience, CISA is dedicated to actively engaging partners from the critical infrastructure community in every step of our work," said Nick Andersen, CISA Acting Director. "This framework was developed to address the unique challenges our partners face, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. By establishing ANCHOR-CI, CISA is not only fulfilling its core statutory mission but also strengthening our collective ability to safeguard the vital services Americans rely on every day."
The ANCHOR-CI framework allows for the establishment of four types of councils - critical infrastructure sector councils, cross-sector councils, industry councils, and regional coordinating councils. These councils will welcome a broader perspective from across the private sector and provide strategic and actionable recommendations to ensure a coordinated national effort to strengthen and secure a more resilient critical infrastructure. ANCHOR-CI will innovate on the previous structure ensuring more stakeholders participate in our nation's critical infrastructure resilience.
ANCHOR-CI will initially operate for two years and may be extended by the Secretary pursuant to Section 871 of the Homeland Security Act.
Visit cisa.gov/ANCHOR-CI to learn more about the charter.
* * *
About CISA
As the nation's cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to manage, uncover, and reduce risk to our digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/cisa-announces-new-advisory-council-strengthen-partnerships-and-secure-critical-infrastructure
ATF Reports Major Enforcement Wins Following 2025 Shift in Priorities
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives issued the following news release:
* * *
ATF reports major enforcement wins following 2025 shift in priorities
10K+ arrests, nearly 50K firearms seized from criminals since January 2025
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has recorded significant results since shifting its enforcement priorities in 2025 to refocus on violent crime, transnational criminal organizations, and illegal pipelines supplying them firearms. Since January 2025, the ATF has focused on dismantling
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives issued the following news release:
* * *
ATF reports major enforcement wins following 2025 shift in priorities
10K+ arrests, nearly 50K firearms seized from criminals since January 2025
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has recorded significant results since shifting its enforcement priorities in 2025 to refocus on violent crime, transnational criminal organizations, and illegal pipelines supplying them firearms. Since January 2025, the ATF has focused on dismantlingcartel and gang networks, arresting in the process over 10,000 offenders and seizing more than 49,000 firearms and roughly 2.9 million rounds of ammunition and 31,000 illegal explosives from them. The results come in part through the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) effort, where ATF works alongside FBI, DEA, HSI, and hundreds of state and local partners and is currently active in more than 1,200 HSTF investigations. In Fiscal Year 2026 alone, HSTF activity involving ATF resulted in more than 1,300 arrests, 200 indictments, 380 convictions, 3,000 firearms seized, and more than $18 million in cash and monetary assets recovered.
"These results should serve as a warning to violent offenders who seek to break federal firearms law," said ATF Director Rob Cekada. "ATF is aggressively targeting dangerous criminals, shutting down the illegal supply chains that arm cartels and gangs, and ensuring those who violate these laws are held accountable."
In addition to the above, ATF has also handled nearly 950,000 firearm trace requests since January 2025, exceeding the agency's average and showing the growing partnerships with law enforcement who rely on ATF to identify the source of firearms used in crimes. In total, nearly 11,000 law enforcement agencies now receive tracing services from ATF.
In calendar year 2025, ATF saw substantial increases in criminal referrals and charges compared to 2024. Referrals to the Department of Justice rose sharply across the six firearms related statutes, including straw purchasing, which increased 182%; trafficking, which rose 129%; and false statements under 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(6), which increased 135%. Overall, referrals across all six trafficking statutes climbed from 155% year over year. Criminal charges followed a similar trend, with charges across all six trafficking statutes increasing 57% year over year. Roughly a quarter of all ATF-initiated violent crime cases involve investigating firearms trafficking to Mexico.
Application Processing
ATF processed more NFA forms in calendar year 2026 than in all of 2025 and has significantly reduced processing times for key NFA forms since January 2025, including Form 4 (Legal Entities) dropping from 100 days to 25 days, Form 4 (Individual) dropping from 143 days to 8 days, and Form 10 dropping from 57 days to 6 days.
Combating Gangs and Transnational Criminal Organizations
ATF's targeting of violent street gangs and transnational criminal organizations resulted in the arrests of members of multiple FTO-designated groups, including 49 Tren de Aragua members, 21 La Nueva Familia Michoacana members, 22 Sinaloa Cartel members, and 16 alleged Surenos members. Recent cases include:
* Colorado: ATF filed charges in August against 32 alleged Venezuelan TdA members for firearms trafficking, drug distribution, and conspiracy to commit murder for hire.
* New Mexico: ATF announced in December the federal indictment of 11 alleged TdA members on racketeering charges, including allegations of murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms possession, with convictions carrying the potential for life imprisonment.
* Illinois: ATF targeted alleged TdA-linked machinegun conversion device trafficking in the Chicago area in December resulting in the indictment of five defendants and the seizure of 73 firearms.
* California: ATF investigated the Puente 13 street gang and its alleged ties to the Mexican Mafia prison gang late last year, resulting in 18 arrests, 78 firearms seized, 15 pounds of methamphetamine, 30,000 fentanyl pills, and body armor.
Firearms Trafficking and Border Security
ATF's firearms trafficking enforcement has focused on interdicting weapons before they reach cartel operatives and TCOs, particularly along the Southern Border. One long-term undercover operation targeting a major Sinaloa Cartel network led in November to the provisional arrest in Mexico of a high-value target linked to a firearms trafficking operation that allegedly sourced $12 to $14 million in high-caliber weapons, grenade launchers, and rocket-propelled grenades for the cartel. Similar cases in Texas, Virginia, and Florida resulted in indictments and seizures tied to firearms trafficking into Mexico and Canada.
Arson, Explosives, and Public Safety
ATF also responded to several major arson and explosives incidents recently, conducting a higher number of investigations during this period than average. In Tennessee, ATF's National Response Team investigated a deadly explosion at an explosives manufacturing facility in McEwen, where an estimated 24,000 to 28,000 pounds of explosives detonated. In California an ATF investigation resulted in the federal indictment of a former Pacific Palisades resident alleged to have started the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in state history. In Illinois, a federal grand jury indicted an individual on terrorism and arson charges following two incidents: the alleged use of an incendiary device to ignite a passenger aboard a Chicago Transit Authority train, and an attempted arson at Chicago City Hall three days earlier.
ATF remains committed to protecting communities by relentlessly targeting the drivers of violent crime and disrupting the criminal networks that threaten public safety. The agency will continue working with its federal, state, local, and international partners to hold offenders accountable and safeguard lawful commerce in firearms and explosives.
* * *
ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.atf.gov/news/press-releases/atf-reports-major-enforcement-wins-following-2025-shift-priorities
