Supreme Court debates Mexican government’s lawsuit against U.S gun manufacturers

By Laina Gustafson

The Supreme Court appeared to be opposed to a lawsuit by the Mexican government on Tuesday, which aims to hold US gun makers responsible for the uptick of illegal gun smuggling and violence in Mexico. 

The case, which began in 2021, claims that Smith & Wesson, Colt, and other large gun makers deliberately sell weapons to known crime dealers and smugglers. The Mexican government argued that gun manufacturers were “aiding and abetting” violation of US law, and is seeking up to $10 billion in damages. 

If successful, this would mean that the manufacturers would not be under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, a federal immunity shield that has largely protected them in the past. 

The lawsuit arrived at the Supreme Court in an especially tense political atmosphere between the two countries. It claims that many US gun manufacturers and distributors are aware of their customer’s connections to Mexican cartels, which Trump recently designated as terrorist groups. Recent tariffs, deportation orders, and heightened border presence have further strained relations between American and Mexican leaders. 

Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum recently announced a gun smuggling crackdown as a top priority of her administration. A ruling in this case is not expected for at least a month.