Straw purchases of firearms are illegal - a felony offense.I understand. There are so many laws being broken in this fiasco, it's hard to keep track of them, straw purchases of firearms just being one of them. Lies and cover-ups will sink their illegal ship faster, though.
To know what was legal and illegal we would have to know more detailes as to how many guns made it accorss the border.
In the United States, straw purchases are a felony violation of the Gun Control Act of 1968 for both the straw purchaser (who can also be charged with lying on Federal Form 4473) and the ultimate possessor. One of the questions on Form 4473 is I am the buyer of this firearm and the purchaser must answer honestly yes or no, by checking the appropriate box in ink. However, purchase of a firearm as a bona fide gift for someone who can legally own such a firearm is permitted.
How many arrest were made while bush was president compared to the arrest made with obama.