EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Jaime Esparza and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent Justin Demaree are joining forces to tackle the rising problem of illegal machine gun conversion devices in El Paso. Officials say this issue is not only impacting major cities like Dallas and Houston but is also spreading to other communities, including El Paso. Esparza and Demaree held a press conference Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the El Paso Community College Law Enforcement Academy to announce a joint effort aimed at addressing the increasing use of these devices, which convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. Demaree emphasized the growing threat posed by these devices. "And I can tell you that the proliferation of these machine gun conversion devices or switches is one of the largest threats to public safety that I've seen throughout my career," Demaree said. Demaree said machine gun conversion devices found on the streets have increased nearly sixfold between 2017 and 2023. Texas-based ATF special agents have seized almost 1,000 of these switches during that time, he said. Law enforcement agencies warn that these devices are easy to obtain and pose a serious risk to public safety. The new initiative will focus on prevention, enforcement, and raising awareness about the dangers of machine gun conversion devices. “These devices aren't only being purchased overseas,” Demaree said. “They're being manufactured, using commercially available 3D printers, utilizing all sorts of different bright colors of filament. They can be purchased from Amazon or your local hobby store. Disturbingly, many sellers who are making these 3D printed switches advertise their sale to adults and juveniles alike on social media," Demaree said. He added: “If someone is possessing a machine gun and using it in the environment we live in, right? Just a regular day of life. They're only possessing that machine gun to cause as much damage as possible when they pull the trigger.” The possession, use, or distribution of a machine gun conversion device carries a federal prison sentence of up to 10 years. Authorities say much of the advertising and sale of these devices is happening through social media, with a wide range of age groups being targeted, especially younger individuals. Officials are urging local law enforcement to remain vigilant and collaborate with federal partners on investigations and prosecutions. They are also asking the public to report any sightings of these devices. Tips can be submitted to local law enforcement or the ATF at [email protected] or by calling 888-ATF-TIPS.