Who Does ATF Go After? Retired Agent Answers!

Published on December 4, 2020
Duration: 21:16

A retired ATF agent discusses the agency's enforcement priorities, emphasizing that they primarily target individuals involved in violent crimes, drug trafficking, and organized crime, rather than law-abiding gun owners. He shares personal experiences, including a case involving a Vietnam veteran's war trophy, highlighting instances where he pushed back against policies he deemed unjust. The agent also touches upon the historical roots of the ATF and its evolving role, particularly concerning firearms legislation.

Quick Summary

A retired ATF agent clarifies that the agency primarily targets individuals involved in violent crimes, drug trafficking, and organized crime, not law-abiding gun owners. He emphasizes that many ATF agents personally support the Second Amendment and enforce laws passed by Congress, rather than acting as 'gun police.'

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction & Guest Background
  2. 00:44Jack Daniels & Personal Habits
  3. 01:01Statue of Jack & Hank's Sobriety
  4. 02:14Retirement Location & Activities
  5. 02:31Safety Concerns in Retirement
  6. 03:06Mentorship and Early Career Realizations
  7. 04:04ATF Enforcement: Who Do They Target?
  8. 04:33Diverse Enforcement Experience
  9. 05:02Deep Undercover Operation
  10. 05:21Addressing the 'Gun Guy' Question
  11. 05:36The Vietnam Veteran Case
  12. 06:33ATF Notification and Investigation
  13. 07:00Refusal to Conduct Search Warrant
  14. 07:05Abandonment Procedure Explained
  15. 07:43Abandonment Accepted, Case Resolved
  16. 07:55ATF Targets: Not Law-Abiding Citizens
  17. 08:08Enforcement vs. Policy Role
  18. 09:02Street Agent vs. Boss System
  19. 09:36Disconnect Between Field and Policy
  20. 10:36Politics and ATF Leadership
  21. 11:00ATF's Full Jurisdiction: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives
  22. 11:24Historical Enforcement: Moonshiners
  23. 11:45Prohibition and Illegal Alcohol
  24. 12:24Impact of the Gun Control Act
  25. 12:49Agent's View on the Second Amendment
  26. 13:32ATF Agents' Love for Guns and 2A
  27. 13:57ATF's Constitutional Basis
  28. 14:05Not the 'Gun Police'
  29. 14:30ATF's Existence vs. Second Amendment
  30. 14:43Enforcing Laws Passed by Congress
  31. 15:11Necessity of Laws and Enforcement
  32. 15:35Worthy Cause: Illegal Gun Use
  33. 15:54Border Patrol Authority Discussion
  34. 16:23Types of 'Bad Guys' Targeted
  35. 16:3380s: Drug Cartels in South Florida
  36. 16:5390s: Inner City Gangs
  37. 17:07Regional Extremist Groups
  38. 17:32Atlanta Case: I Refuse Posse
  39. 18:10Outlaw Motorcycle Organization Case
  40. 18:32San Francisco: Asian Organized Crime
  41. 18:42Use of RICO Statutes
  42. 19:22ATF's Role in Gang Investigations
  43. 19:49ATF's Unique Operational Model
  44. 19:57The Untouchables Analogy
  45. 20:21Cultivating Local Assets
  46. 20:48Leveraging Resources for Major Problems
  47. 21:02Conclusion & Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does the ATF typically go after?

According to a retired ATF agent, the agency primarily targets individuals involved in violent crimes, those planning harm to others, and those engaged in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and organized crime. They generally do not pursue law-abiding gun owners.

What is the ATF's stance on the Second Amendment?

Many ATF agents, including the retired agent interviewed, express a personal love for firearms and the Second Amendment. They view their role as enforcing laws passed by Congress, rather than acting as 'gun police,' and often prioritize cases involving illegal gun use or violence.

What historical issues led to the formation of the ATF?

The ATF was formed in 1972, partly due to significant problems with illegal alcohol sales that caused deaths and blindness. Its jurisdiction later expanded to include firearms enforcement with the passage of the Gun Control Act and NFA.

Can ATF agents refuse to pursue certain cases?

Yes, an ATF agent recounted refusing to pursue a case against a Vietnam veteran for possessing a war trophy, arguing it was a case for an 'abandonment' procedure. He stated he would testify on the veteran's behalf if the case went to court, demonstrating an agent's ability to push back against directives.

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