Is it a mitigating factor to compare the Mexican homicide rate to its neighbors?
No, it does not diminish the problem for Mexicans. The fact that the homicide rate is now comparable to those countries does not mean it is not a huge problem, it clearly is. The rate rose dramatically, the attacks have been especially brutal and it affects the society in dramatic ways that do not necessarily affect Guatemala and El Salvador similarly. The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol and Firearms, ATF, receives data from Mexico. Is there a Mexican data bank on firearms seized? The best source is the CENAPI (National Center for Analysis, Planning, and Intelligence) but they are not very public about a lot of things. It is difficult to find information on the web for example. I tried to make public information requests; it was funny because I could get no information that way. By meeting with Mexican government officials I got more information. How are these military style weapons bought in the US? Legally you need to be a US citizen or resident; however there are not a lot
