CHICAGO– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed in Chicago seized 473 shipments containing a total of 1,507 weapon-modifying devices from January 1 to December 31, 2024.
From January to June CBP stopped 155 shipments carrying 354 “Glock switches” which are used to modify weapons to make them fully automatic. In the months of July, August, and September, officers seized a total of 241 shipments containing a whopping 948 switches. Most of these seizures were from China and were heading to various locations throughout the U.S.
“These seizures clearly illustrate how closely CBP examines import manifests and identifies items that could potentially harm our nation or our citizens. Using their targeting experience, they’re able to consistently spot new shipping trends and keep these dangerous devices out of the hands of criminals. There are reasons these items are illegal,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations, Chicago Field Office.
Pistol automatic fire conversion switches are illegal devices, to use or possess, which convert standard semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic. It allows the user to pull and hold the trigger to fire the maximum amount of ammunition. These devices can be ordered online or made by 3-D printers. The importation of these items is restricted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Many of these were undeclared, mis-manifested, or lacked any ATF importation approvals.
CBP’s border security mission is led at 328 ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations. Follow CBP on X @CBPChicago and @DFOChicago. Visit CBP’s YouTube channel to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders. Learn more about CBP at www.CBP.gov.
