Inside the expanded ATF and CPD Crime Gun Intelligence Center

A Major Operation to Tackle Illegal Firearms in Chicago

A significant law enforcement operation targeting illegal firearms and machine-gun conversion devices has taken place in Chicago. This initiative, which focused on reducing violent crime linked to traffickers, resulted in the seizure of over 170 guns and more than 40 arrests. The effort was spearheaded by the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), a collaborative project involving multiple agencies.

The CGIC brings together the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Chicago Police Department (CPD), and prosecutors at all levels across the city. Its primary objective is to identify and apprehend the most dangerous individuals involved in gun-related crimes. Over the past two months, this joint effort has produced notable results, including the recovery of numerous weapons and the charging of several offenders.

According to Jonathan Maniff, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago ATF field division, the operation involved agents working closely with partners to actively remove firearms from violent offenders. "We had our agents on the street every day with our partners and proactively buying these off the most violent offenders in Chicago," he said.

During the 60-day crackdown, 41 offenders were charged, and 171 firearms—including long guns, machine guns, and pistols—were recovered. Additionally, 64 gun switches, also known as "auto sears," were seized. These devices can convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons, significantly increasing their lethality.

Maniff highlighted that the use of machine gun conversion devices is becoming increasingly common in shootings across the city. He emphasized that some of the individuals arrested during the initiative were involved in serious offenses, such as shooting an MCD in a park, threatening a mass shooting, and being on parole for killing a 14-year-old.

Many of the recovered weapons are linked to homicides and prior shootings in Chicago. With a machine gun conversion device attached to a semi-automatic pistol, the weapon can fire up to 50 rounds in less than two seconds, making it extremely dangerous.

The collaboration between the ATF, CPD, and prosecutors at both federal and local levels has been crucial in the success of this operation. Chicago Police Deputy Chief of Detectives Kevin Bruno noted that a small number of offenders are responsible for a large portion of the violence in the city. He added that focused investigations and holding offenders accountable are key to improving public safety.

Bruno stressed that the scale of the weapon seizure would not have been possible without the partnership of the CGIC. "It's very dangerous work. When you do an undercover buy, it's a very risky operation, but when you do that, it allows you to build a strong case," he said.

One example of the operation's effectiveness involves a federal complaint against an Indiana man accused of illegally trafficking firearms. The case included surveillance, controlled buys, and the acquisition of photos of the weapons allegedly offered for sale.

Maniff also pointed out that gun switches are particularly concerning due to their increasing use. "The firepower it can be as bad as a long gun or a rifle or something like that," he said. "With a machine gun conversion device attached to a semi-automatic pistol, it can shoot up to 50 rounds in less than two seconds."

Although the 60-day enhanced enforcement period has ended, the ATF continues its efforts to prevent the spread of gun switches in the Chicago area. Increased focus is being placed on those charged with possessing these devices, indicating that the fight against illegal firearms is far from over.