Firearms

“Our right to bear arms is non-negotiable. Michael Alfonso will protect the Second Amendment against any attempt to weaken it. He backs constitutional carry and our right to defend ourselves.”

“In Congress, I will fight for common-sense solutions that protect our communities without infringing on the Second Amendment. This includes supporting our local law enforcement with the resources they need, addressing the root causes of violence in our neighborhoods, and ensuring that those who bring guns into public disputes are held fully accountable.”

“When the Radical Left comes for your firearm or to impose more restrictions on law-abiding gun owners, Andy will stand in the breach and fight for our Second Amendment rights.”

“Andy has consistently opposed gun control bills put forward to strip gun owners of their firearms without due process.”

“No one will work harder as your next U.S. Senator to protect your Second Amendment Rights from every possible threat.”

“As a responsible gun owner, I believe in the Second Amendment and the right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms, and I also believe we can do more to keep our communities safe.”

“We need to enforce the laws already on the books, while also working together—across party lines—to find common-sense solutions that reduce gun violence, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals, and protect both our rights and our communities.”

“Protect the Second Amendment”

“God-given rights don’t need D.C.’s permission.”

“At the same time, I'll protect responsible gun ownership for hunters, sport shooters, and families who rely on firearms for their own safety.”

“We can respect the rights of responsible gun owners while making our schools, houses of worship, and public spaces safer for everyone.”

“Defend Our Second Amendment Rights”

“As an avid hunter, Jerry Carl is a lifelong supporter of the Second Amendment and will defend our right to bear and keep arms.”

“Championed constitutional carry, playing a key role in passing one of the most important Second Amendment victories in state history”

“Democrats took away our 2nd Amendment rights in New York and perpetually attack our First Amendment rights nationally. I will fight to protect and restore both.”

“Preserve and protect our constitutional rights to free speech, freedom of worship, and the right to bear arms.”

“I will advocate for gun safety laws that have been shown to reduce the incidence of gun injuries and deaths, including universal background checks and increased funding for hospital and community violence intervention programs.”

“I will not stand on the sidelines as gun violence continues to be the leading cause of death for kids in South Carolina and kids all across this country. But the good news is the vast majority of Americans agree with me. Over 90% of Americans believe we need commonsense solutions like universal background checks.”

“We need to enforce the laws already on the books, while also working together—across party lines—to find common-sense solutions that reduce gun violence, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals, and protect both our rights and our communities.”

“We can envision a New Jersey where we feel safe in our communities, free from an epidemic of gun violence. It’s well past time for Congress to make it a reality.”

“Ending Gun Violence with Common Sense Reform”

“Protect our children from gun violence. Protect our schools and children from gun violence by advancing common-sense gun safety reforms and investing in mental health services for children.”

“As a common sense gun owner, my job is to address gun violence, not pass the buck.”

“Protect Responsible Gun Owners and reduce Gun Violence”

“Safety means confronting gun violence honestly and effectively, not ignoring it and not overcorrecting against responsible gun owners.”

“Reducing Gun Violence”

“End gun violence.”

“In her third term in the Assembly, Irwin focused heavily on gun violence prevention legislation in response to the Borderline Shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA. Her legislation strengthened Gun Violence Restraining Orders, in part by allowing them to extend up to five years. She also required law enforcement agencies to have policies about using Gun Violence Restraining Orders. Irwin also secured $3 million to support local law enforcement efforts to recover firearms from individuals listed in the Armed and Prohibited Possessors System.”

“On Wednesday, Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash, House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross of Portland, and members of Democratic Legislative Leadership released a comprehensive suite of legislation designed to reduce gun violence and bolster public health.”

“Working with Texas Senator John Cornyn to pass the first meaningful gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years”

“I will advocate for gun safety laws that have been shown to reduce the incidence of gun injuries and deaths, including universal background checks and increased funding for hospital and community violence intervention programs.”

“Pass commonsense, popular gun safety reforms to keep firearms out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them and make our communities less safe to live and work in.”

“In Congress, I am committed to fighting to pass commonsense legislation to keep our kids safe and get weapons of war off of our streets”

“I’ll fight for common sense gun laws that focus on protecting lives, not guns.”

“Protect our children from gun violence. Protect our schools and children from gun violence by advancing common-sense gun safety reforms and investing in mental health services for children.”

“Prior to his terms as Mayor, Luke served as General Counsel to former Governor Dannel Malloy, where he helped enact Connecticut’s common sense gun laws, supported green energy initiatives, and made ending chronic homelessness among veterans a priority.”

“As General Counsel to Connecticut’s Governor in the wake of the massacre at Sandy Hook, I helped to write the comprehensive set of common-sense gun laws that made Connecticut a model when it comes to gun safety.”

“I’ll fight for common-sense gun laws like universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, safe storage laws, red-flag laws, firearms education, accountability for repeat violent offenders, and serious consequences for gun dealers and gun manufacturers who break the law.”

“We need common-sense laws: universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, and enforcing waiting periods so dangerous people don’t get their hands on guns. This wouldn’t change things for responsible gun owners, but it would for kids who are afraid to go to school.”

“Common-Sense Gun Regulations and Assault Weapon Ban”

“Protect schools and neighborhoods by enacting common-sense gun safety measures, like universal background checks and red flag laws.”

“I’ll work to hold dangerous criminals accountable and close loopholes that allow weapons to flood our streets.”

“I will advocate for gun safety laws that have been shown to reduce the incidence of gun injuries and deaths, including universal background checks and increased funding for hospital and community violence intervention programs.”

“Universal background checks”

“I will not stand on the sidelines as gun violence continues to be the leading cause of death for kids in South Carolina and kids all across this country. But the good news is the vast majority of Americans agree with me. Over 90% of Americans believe we need commonsense solutions like universal background checks.”

“Universal Background Checks: No loopholes, no exceptions. Every gun sale — whether at a store, a gun show, or online — should require a background check. It’s simple, effective, and overwhelmingly popular.”

“I'll back federal background check laws that actually close existing loopholes, and I'll support funding for state red flag programs so families and law enforcement have a real tool to intervene before a warning sign turns into a tragedy.”

“I’ll fight for common-sense gun laws like universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, safe storage laws, red-flag laws, firearms education, accountability for repeat violent offenders, and serious consequences for gun dealers and gun manufacturers who break the law.”

“We need common-sense laws: universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, and enforcing waiting periods so dangerous people don’t get their hands on guns. This wouldn’t change things for responsible gun owners, but it would for kids who are afraid to go to school.”

“Passing Universal background checks to protect lawful gun owners while stopping criminals”

“Closing the loophole that exempts unlicensed dealers (gun shows, online sales, private transfers)”

“Gun Safety: Implement universal background checks and protect Red Flag (Jake Laird) laws to keep our neighborhoods and schools safe.”

“Protect schools and neighborhoods by enacting common-sense gun safety measures, like universal background checks and red flag laws.”

“Common Sense Gun Safety: We need to get dangerous weapons out of criminals hands and follow our police officers guidance. We must close loopholes, mandate violent history checks, pass red flag laws, and ban assault weapons. As a mother, I should not be scared to send my child to school.”

“I support an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and red flag laws.”

“Vote for universal background checks for all gun sales and transfers.”

“Banning weapons of war from our streets”

“In the Navy, Rebecca operated weapons of war and trained her fellow Sailors how to use them. She knows the purpose they serve and that they should not be on our streets.”

“Get weapons of war off our streets – it should not be easier for untrained civilians to access these weapons than it is for members of our armed forces.”

“In Congress, I am committed to fighting to pass commonsense legislation to keep our kids safe and get weapons of war off of our streets”

“Assault Weapons Ban: Weapons of war have no place in our communities. Illinois has passed an assault weapons ban and it’s past time for federal action. We need to restore the federal ban on military-style assault weapons and limit the high-capacity magazines that turn mass shootings into massacres.”

“I’ll fight for common-sense gun laws like universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, safe storage laws, red-flag laws, firearms education, accountability for repeat violent offenders, and serious consequences for gun dealers and gun manufacturers who break the law.”

“Common-Sense Gun Regulations and Assault Weapon Ban”

“She is a gun owner who respects the Second Amendment and understands common-sense gun safety measures. She also knows firsthand the devastation weapons of war can cause, and understands they do not belong on our streets or in our schools.”

“The patchwork of gun laws across our nation has created a system filled with legal gaps and loopholes. Peggy wants to ban assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and ghost guns.”

“Common Sense Gun Safety: We need to get dangerous weapons out of criminals hands and follow our police officers guidance. We must close loopholes, mandate violent history checks, pass red flag laws, and ban assault weapons. As a mother, I should not be scared to send my child to school.”

“I support an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and red flag laws.”

“Reinstate the ban on assault weapons and support a national Red Flag law.”

“Red Flag Laws: We can save lives by temporarily removing guns from people who pose a danger to themselves or others. Red flag laws work — when we actually use them.”

“I'll back federal background check laws that actually close existing loopholes, and I'll support funding for state red flag programs so families and law enforcement have a real tool to intervene before a warning sign turns into a tragedy.”

“I’ll fight for common-sense gun laws like universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, safe storage laws, red-flag laws, firearms education, accountability for repeat violent offenders, and serious consequences for gun dealers and gun manufacturers who break the law.”

“Supporting federal grants to help states adopt extreme danger (“red flag”) laws that respect due process and keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers or those who might do themselves harm”

“Gun Safety: Implement universal background checks and protect Red Flag (Jake Laird) laws to keep our neighborhoods and schools safe.”

“Protect schools and neighborhoods by enacting common-sense gun safety measures, like universal background checks and red flag laws.”

“In her third term in the Assembly, Irwin focused heavily on gun violence prevention legislation in response to the Borderline Shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA. Her legislation strengthened Gun Violence Restraining Orders, in part by allowing them to extend up to five years. She also required law enforcement agencies to have policies about using Gun Violence Restraining Orders. Irwin also secured $3 million to support local law enforcement efforts to recover firearms from individuals listed in the Armed and Prohibited Possessors System.”

“Common Sense Gun Safety: We need to get dangerous weapons out of criminals hands and follow our police officers guidance. We must close loopholes, mandate violent history checks, pass red flag laws, and ban assault weapons. As a mother, I should not be scared to send my child to school.”

“I support an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and red flag laws.”

“Reinstate the ban on assault weapons and support a national Red Flag law.”

“Helped write sweeping new gun safety laws in New York, including background checks for ammunition purchases, new license requirements for gun purchases, and expanded Red Flag laws.”

“In 2023 as President Pro Tem of the Michigan Senate, I passed Michigan’s first major gun safety laws in decades, which are saving lives today. The legislation included expanding background checks, requiring firearms be safely secured in homes with minors, and implementing red flag laws to prevent the next crisis.”

“We need to enforce the laws already on the books, while also working together—across party lines—to find common-sense solutions that reduce gun violence, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals, and protect both our rights and our communities.”

“Pass commonsense, popular gun safety reforms to keep firearms out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them and make our communities less safe to live and work in.”

“Red Flag Laws: We can save lives by temporarily removing guns from people who pose a danger to themselves or others. Red flag laws work — when we actually use them.”

“We need common-sense laws: universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, and enforcing waiting periods so dangerous people don’t get their hands on guns. This wouldn’t change things for responsible gun owners, but it would for kids who are afraid to go to school.”

“Passing Universal background checks to protect lawful gun owners while stopping criminals”

“Supporting federal grants to help states adopt extreme danger (“red flag”) laws that respect due process and keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers or those who might do themselves harm”

“In her third term in the Assembly, Irwin focused heavily on gun violence prevention legislation in response to the Borderline Shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA. Her legislation strengthened Gun Violence Restraining Orders, in part by allowing them to extend up to five years. She also required law enforcement agencies to have policies about using Gun Violence Restraining Orders. Irwin also secured $3 million to support local law enforcement efforts to recover firearms from individuals listed in the Armed and Prohibited Possessors System.”

“As a proud sportsman, I have to believe that level-headed people can come together to build a safer Maine – one that recognizes and respects our second amendment rights while also keeping weapons out of the hands of dangerous people”

“Common Sense Gun Safety: We need to get dangerous weapons out of criminals hands and follow our police officers guidance. We must close loopholes, mandate violent history checks, pass red flag laws, and ban assault weapons. As a mother, I should not be scared to send my child to school.”

“Congress must enact policies that reduce preventable gun violence while protecting the constitutional right for law-abiding Americans to bear arms. This bill will help keep firearms from falling into the hands of those who may cause harm to themselves or others.”

“We need to pass this legislation on the federal level to make sure every community has common sense gun safety protections, including banning assault-style rifles, expanding background checks, and ensuring that suspected terrorists and individuals with a history of domestic abuse cannot access firearms.”

“In Congress, I will fight for common-sense solutions that protect our communities without infringing on the Second Amendment. This includes supporting our local law enforcement with the resources they need, addressing the root causes of violence in our neighborhoods, and ensuring that those who bring guns into public disputes are held fully accountable.”

“We need to enforce the laws already on the books, while also working together—across party lines—to find common-sense solutions that reduce gun violence, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals, and protect both our rights and our communities.”

“As mayor, I supported new and expanded prevention initiatives and also demanded real accountability for people involved in gun violence.”

“I’ll fight for common-sense gun laws like universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, safe storage laws, red-flag laws, firearms education, accountability for repeat violent offenders, and serious consequences for gun dealers and gun manufacturers who break the law.”

“And I’ll work to reverse the Trump administration’s damaging cuts to ATF, which is a vital partner in helping to trace crime guns and identify the illegal gun dealers that flood our streets with guns. ATF needs to be strengthened, not cut.”

“People who break the law must be held accountable, including and especially those that commit violent crimes or smuggle illicit drugs like fentanyl and dangerous weapons into our neighborhoods.”

“We should give law enforcement the tools it needs to stop fentanyl and weapons from coming through our border.”

“In Congress, I will fight to defend our right to keep and bear arms while ensuring criminals, not responsible citizens, are held accountable for violent crime.”

“Protect the Second Amendment while protecting our neighbors from gun violence: Establish universal background checks for gun sales, prioritize the prosecution of firearms traffickers who are illegally flooding our communities with guns that get into the hands of criminals, require firearms to be securely stored around children in the home, and raise the age to purchase semi-automatic rifles with certain military-style features like high-capacity magazines.”

“Supported commonsense gun violence prevention by increasing penalties for mass shooting perpetrators and opposing legislation allowing for the permitless carry of firearms in Texas.”

“She pioneered programs to support victims of human trafficking, created a task force to tackle the opioid epidemic, and worked alongside law enforcement to get illegal guns off the streets.”

“Hold the gun industry accountable by repealing PLCAA's special legal protections for bad actors and directing the ATF to prioritize fighting gun crime and trafficking, rather than deprioritizing enforcement under industry pressure”

“She’ll keep fighting to pass gun violence prevention laws that protect our communities and put our safety first, including banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, requiring universal background checks, closing loopholes that allow dangerous individuals to access firearms, cracking down on illegal gun trafficking, strengthening red flag laws, and holding gun manufacturers accountable when their products are used to harm our communities.”

“Safe storage laws that prevent unintentional shootings and youth suicides”

“Safe Storage Requirements: Too many children die from accidental shootings at home. Responsible gun ownership means safe storage. We passed safe storage requirements in Evanston and we should do it nationwide.”

“I’ll fight for common-sense gun laws like universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, safe storage laws, red-flag laws, firearms education, accountability for repeat violent offenders, and serious consequences for gun dealers and gun manufacturers who break the law.”

“We deserve a Congressperson who’s ready to stand up for all of our constitutional rights. I’ll fight to do just that, and to build on programs that support responsible gun ownership and the safety of our communities. Here’s how:”

“Invest in voluntary safe storage programs to help make sure that Montanans undergoing a mental health crisis have access to resources including crisis response, counseling, and third party temporary storage.”

“Expand gun safety programs that help young and new gun-owners learn proper gun and hunter safety techniques.”

“In 2023 as President Pro Tem of the Michigan Senate, I passed Michigan’s first major gun safety laws in decades, which are saving lives today. The legislation included expanding background checks, requiring firearms be safely secured in homes with minors, and implementing red flag laws to prevent the next crisis.”

“In Congress, he will support comprehensive, evidence-based solutions to reduce gun violence, including stronger background checks, secure firearm storage, community violence prevention, gun violence research, and keeping weapons of war out of our communities.”

“Protect the Second Amendment while protecting our neighbors from gun violence: Establish universal background checks for gun sales, prioritize the prosecution of firearms traffickers who are illegally flooding our communities with guns that get into the hands of criminals, require firearms to be securely stored around children in the home, and raise the age to purchase semi-automatic rifles with certain military-style features like high-capacity magazines.”

“Pass Ethan's Law, establishing federal safe gun storage requirements, and holding negligent gun owners accountable when unsecured firearms fall into the hands of children or other unauthorized users”

“He will fight for an assault weapons ban, safe storage requirements, and the funding that keeps communities safe from gun violence.”

“I will advocate for gun safety laws that have been shown to reduce the incidence of gun injuries and deaths, including universal background checks and increased funding for hospital and community violence intervention programs.”

“Restore funding for gun safety research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and reopen the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.”

“I'll also fight for investment in community violence intervention programs, which have a proven track record of reducing shootings where they're implemented.”

“As mayor, I supported new and expanded prevention initiatives and also demanded real accountability for people involved in gun violence.”

“In Congress, he will support comprehensive, evidence-based solutions to reduce gun violence, including stronger background checks, secure firearm storage, community violence prevention, gun violence research, and keeping weapons of war out of our communities.”

“Save lives from gun violence by ensuring universal background checks to prevent convicted felons and gang members from obtaining guns, red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, and fund community violence intervention programs.”

“Scott has fought to get guns off our streets and out of our schools. He fought for years and authored the bill that successfully pressured Cow Palace to ban gun shows, standing up against the NRA until the job was done. He was a strong supporter of the Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act, which taxes the gun industry to fund violence intervention and school safety programs statewide. And he’s long advocated for banning assault weapons, backing California’s nation-leading ban and pushing for the same protections at the federal level.”

“Scale gun violence prevention and community intervention programs nationally, building on the CalVIP model — which has prevented more than 30,000 incidents of gun violence since 2019 — while investing in the mental health services and school safety infrastructure that go hand-in-hand with prevention”

“Secure robust federal funding for gun violence research — at least $100 million annually — to better understand the causes of gun violence and identify solutions that work”

“He will fight for an assault weapons ban, safe storage requirements, and the funding that keeps communities safe from gun violence.”

“Our right to bear arms is non-negotiable. Michael Alfonso will protect the Second Amendment against any attempt to weaken it. He backs constitutional carry and our right to defend ourselves.”

“Championed constitutional carry, playing a key role in passing one of the most important Second Amendment victories in state history”

“In the legislature, he has supported Constitutional Carry and fought to stop government overreach that threatens the freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution.”

“I cosponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (HR 38) to expand the recognition of concealed carry licenses for gun owners across the country, and I voted against the Democrats’ misguided gun control bills, H.R.8 and H.R.1112.”

“During my time in Congress, I have been resolute in resisting Washington Democrat’s attempts to infringe on the rights of law-abiding Americans. I have consistently cosponsored the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, along with legislation to roll back burdensome National Fire Arms (NFA) Act regulation and fees on suppressors, short barreled rifles, and short barreled shot guns, including the SHORT Act and the Hearing Protection Act.”

“2021 HB 2675 – Requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to expedite the handgun license (LTC) process for individuals deemed at higher risk of becoming victims of violence. Joint Author”

“2019 HB 1791 – Strengthens the ability of license holders to carry in public spaces by ensuring government entities do not overstep with “gun-free” restrictions. Joint Author”

“2019 HB 1177 – Known as a “disaster protection” act. it allows licensed and unlicensed Texans to legally carry handguns, openly or concealed, for up to seven days while evacuating from or during a declared state of natural disaster. Joint Author”

“In Congress, Jace Yarbrough will champion national reciprocity on concealed carry permits so law-abiding gun owners can lawfully carry when traveling over state lines, and a repeal of the National Firearms Act - an outdated law twisted by Democrats to arbitrarily infringe on our freedoms.”

“It’s time for sensible gun policy that protects families and encourages responsible ownership while holding gun manufacturers responsible.”

“Protect Responsible Gun Owners and reduce Gun Violence”

“At the same time, I'll protect responsible gun ownership for hunters, sport shooters, and families who rely on firearms for their own safety.”

“We deserve a Congressperson who’s ready to stand up for all of our constitutional rights. I’ll fight to do just that, and to build on programs that support responsible gun ownership and the safety of our communities. Here’s how:”

“In Congress, I’ll continue to be that champion—supporting local law enforcement and gun-violence prevention while promoting responsible gun ownership in our communities.”

“She’s committed to practical, unifying solutions that lower costs for families, expand access to healthcare and education, protect earned benefits, strengthen national security, and uphold responsible gun ownership.”

“Ending Gun Industry Immunity: The gun industry is the only industry in America with broad legal immunity. That must end. Victims of gun violence deserve their day in court.”

“It’s time for sensible gun policy that protects families and encourages responsible ownership while holding gun manufacturers responsible.”

“I’ll fight for common-sense gun laws like universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, safe storage laws, red-flag laws, firearms education, accountability for repeat violent offenders, and serious consequences for gun dealers and gun manufacturers who break the law.”

“Hold the gun industry accountable by repealing PLCAA's special legal protections for bad actors and directing the ATF to prioritize fighting gun crime and trafficking, rather than deprioritizing enforcement under industry pressure”

“She’ll keep fighting to pass gun violence prevention laws that protect our communities and put our safety first, including banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, requiring universal background checks, closing loopholes that allow dangerous individuals to access firearms, cracking down on illegal gun trafficking, strengthening red flag laws, and holding gun manufacturers accountable when their products are used to harm our communities.”

“Supported commonsense gun violence prevention by increasing penalties for mass shooting perpetrators and opposing legislation allowing for the permitless carry of firearms in Texas.”

“Oppose national concealed carry reciprocity, which would gut California's and every other state's gun laws by forcing them to honor out-of-state permits — even for carriers with no training or background check”

“The patchwork of gun laws across our nation has created a system filled with legal gaps and loopholes. Peggy wants to ban assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and ghost guns.”

“On City Council, Marni authored California’s first ban on untraceable ghost guns, launched affordable housing grants for teachers, raised wages, cut ambulance 911 response times, and opposed costly water and trash rate hikes to protect working families.”

“Banned the sale and possession of untraceable Ghost Guns with the ENUF Ordinance.”

“Marni wrote the first law in California banning the sale of untraceable ghost guns — and won her lawsuit when the gun lobby sued her.”

“Repeal the Second Amendment: The second amendment has been grossly corrupted, transforming it from an 18th century militia regulation provision to the modern-day right to own weapons of war. We should repeal it and empower all levels of government to impose reasonable gun safety laws without constitutional threat.”

“In follow-up to public discussion and two Town Hall meetings in Summer 2011, introduced and passed HR 550 (97th GA) establishing the Firearm Public Awareness Task Force, charged with analyzing data from other states with concealed carry laws and examining other firearm-related public safety issues in Illinois, chairing two Task Force meetings in Spring 2012”

“Introduced legislation which has established the Violence Prevention Task Force (Public Act 98-0194); and introduced and passed House Resolution 648 in the 100th General Assembly that reconstitutes the Firearm Public Awareness Task Force, and named Chair of the Task Force”

“Introduced and passed a House Resolution which urges Congress to require replica gun manufacturers to design these guns to be bright colors (HR 134 – 99th General Assembly)”

“The decades-long "War on Drugs," meanwhile, has failed to actually stem the tide of illicit narcotics across international borders, and American-made weapons continue to find their way into the hands of cartels.”