Introduction
On August 18, 2026, the webinar "Pathways Through the Worsening Crises In the U.S.-Mexico Relationship" was held, co-organized by Global Exchange, Stop US Arms to Mexico, and the Forum on the Arms Trade.
Panelists
Video of the event with audio entirely in English is available at https://youtu.be/QBh2L4ylJTE
On August 18, 2026, the webinar "Pathways Through the Worsening Crises In the U.S.-Mexico Relationship" was held, co-organized by Global Exchange, Stop US Arms to Mexico, and the Forum on the Arms Trade.
Panelists
- Elena Gutiérrez, U.S-Mexico Director, Global Exchange
- Josué Martinez Leal, Deputy Coordinator, Oasis De Paz Del Espiritu Santo Amparito Ac
- John Lindsay-Poland, Coordinator, Project to Stop US Arms to Mexico
- Marco Castillo, Co-Executive Director, Global Exchange (moderator)
Video of the event with audio entirely in English is available at https://youtu.be/QBh2L4ylJTE
Quick review of recommendations
(Note: The Forum provides a platform for sharing of views but does not itself take positions.)
During the recommendations portion of the conversation, Elena Gutiérrez (starting at 28:00) remarked that people in Mexico do not want a U.S. intervention in Mexico, but instead peaceful solutions. The Mexican government does need to address disappearances in Mexico. More broadly, the U.S.-Mexico relationship needs to be cooperative, and not based on militarization. The Stop Arming Cartels Act would be helpful. Judicial cooperation could help combat money laundering. Change punitive approach in drug policy.
Josué Martinez Leal (starting at 33:50) reminds that we need to remember that we are talking about human lives and their realities. Must recognize connection of weapons and migration. Given that migration won’t stop, current approach only helps organized crime. Need structural reforms in both countries that includes a strategy of safeguarding people.
John Lindsay-Poland (starting at 38:20) notes that drug addiction is an internal struggle, but current strategy externalizes that struggle and creates approaches that are not productive. Need to have community conversations about where to draw the line on guns since none believe it beneficial to sell guns to cartels. Democratic party members, gun violence prevention movement members, and immigration rights movement members need to make connections because their issues overlap in life. Selling of 50 calibre firearms should not be legal and greater oversight of international gun trade is needed, even as many countries in the region are loosening gun restrictions.
Marco Castillo (starting at 53:00) mentions that border communities, and publics in U.S. and Mexico more generally, want a more cooperative approach, rather than tension. He mentions the upcoming Binational Peace Summit 2026 taking place in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez from September 18–19 as an example of civil society coming together (registration).
(Note: The Forum provides a platform for sharing of views but does not itself take positions.)
During the recommendations portion of the conversation, Elena Gutiérrez (starting at 28:00) remarked that people in Mexico do not want a U.S. intervention in Mexico, but instead peaceful solutions. The Mexican government does need to address disappearances in Mexico. More broadly, the U.S.-Mexico relationship needs to be cooperative, and not based on militarization. The Stop Arming Cartels Act would be helpful. Judicial cooperation could help combat money laundering. Change punitive approach in drug policy.
Josué Martinez Leal (starting at 33:50) reminds that we need to remember that we are talking about human lives and their realities. Must recognize connection of weapons and migration. Given that migration won’t stop, current approach only helps organized crime. Need structural reforms in both countries that includes a strategy of safeguarding people.
John Lindsay-Poland (starting at 38:20) notes that drug addiction is an internal struggle, but current strategy externalizes that struggle and creates approaches that are not productive. Need to have community conversations about where to draw the line on guns since none believe it beneficial to sell guns to cartels. Democratic party members, gun violence prevention movement members, and immigration rights movement members need to make connections because their issues overlap in life. Selling of 50 calibre firearms should not be legal and greater oversight of international gun trade is needed, even as many countries in the region are loosening gun restrictions.
Marco Castillo (starting at 53:00) mentions that border communities, and publics in U.S. and Mexico more generally, want a more cooperative approach, rather than tension. He mentions the upcoming Binational Peace Summit 2026 taking place in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez from September 18–19 as an example of civil society coming together (registration).
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