Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 14 attorneys general, has submitted a multi-state letter to congressional leaders in support of the Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causes Harm Act (CATCH Act). The letter encourages Congress to take additional steps to halt the flow of illegally trafficked firearms from the United States into the Caribbean. This illicit trade has contributed to increased gun violence in the region, particularly in Haiti, which is grappling with deteriorating security conditions and heightened gang violence. These challenges have complicated efforts by international agencies to provide necessary humanitarian aid.

“We must stop the flow of illegal weapons from the United States to our neighbors in the Caribbean,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The CATCH Act is a step forward in the fight against gun violence in our nation and internationally. My office is committed to the safety and well-being of residents of California and beyond our borders. We will never stop pushing for commonsense measures to prevent gun violence.”

The CATCH Act mandates that the U.S. Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions submit an annual report to Congress detailing anti-arms-trafficking measures. This includes information on the number, destination, and transportation methods of firearms, ammunition, and accessories involved in investigations and prosecutions. The report would also cover coordination efforts with federal, state, local law enforcement agencies, as well as regional or international organizations.

The letter urges Congress to explore additional strategies for combating illegal arms trafficking by allocating sufficient resources to inspectors at U.S. ports and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with requesting briefings from relevant U.S. agencies.

Attorney General Bonta is joined by attorneys general from Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington D.C., in filing this brief.

A copy of the comment letter can be found here.