Mexico launches cash for guns initiative to eradicate violence: Video
The Mexican government has launched a new disarmament programme titled "Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace."
This initiative encourages citizens to voluntarily surrender their firearms in exchange for financial incentives, reducing the number of illegal weapons in circulation and promoting public safety.
The programme, which began on January 10, 2025, offers substantial monetary rewards for various firearms. For instance, individuals can receive up to $1,300 for turning in machine guns and assault rifles.
The collection points are strategically located in the lobbies of churches and other religious institutions, ensuring accessibility and anonymity for participants.
President Claudia Sheinbaum during the launch emphasised that this initiative is part of a broader national security strategy. The strategy addresses the root causes of violence, consolidates the National Guard, strengthens intelligence and investigation efforts, and enhances coordination with federal entities.
"This programme consists of households surrendering firearms without any investigation. In exchange, they receive economic resources, and the weapon is destroyed. The goal of this program is disarmament—ensuring there are no firearms in our country," she explained.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has been a vocal advocate for the programme, urging citizens to participate without fear of legal repercussions. She highlighted the success of a similar initiative during her tenure as mayor of Mexico City, which significantly reduced the number of firearms in the capital.
