Mexico City, Mexico – The Mexican government expressed strong disapproval on Friday following the U.S. Supreme Court’s dismissal of its lawsuit targeting major American gun manufacturers. The lawsuit sought to hold these companies accountable for their role in fostering illegal arms trafficking that has contributed to escalating violence in Mexico.
On June 5, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the gun makers, citing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. This legislation provides immunity for firearm manufacturers from legal actions linked to crimes involving their products. The court asserted that Mexico’s allegations lacked sufficient evidence to establish a direct connection between the manufacturers and the illegal sale of guns to Mexican cartels.
Since 2021, Mexico has taken steps to address the influx of firearms from the United States, which have been linked to the country’s rampant drug-related violence. President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the Supreme Court’s reasoning, highlighting that studies indicate approximately 75% of illegal weapons seized in Mexico originate from the U.S. She emphasized that the U.S. government’s own documentation supports this claim.
The Supreme Court contended that the relationship between gun manufacturers and the illicit arms market is characterized by “indifference, rather than assistance,” stating that Mexico failed to demonstrate that the manufacturers had helped facilitate unlawful sales to traffickers. The ruling has prompted Mexico’s Foreign Ministry to voice its disagreement, reaffirming its commitment to combating illegal arms trafficking through all available legal means.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry indicated that the decision would not impede Mexico’s ongoing legal action filed in Tucson, Arizona, in 2022 against five gun retail outlets. The ministry expressed confidence that it would continue to present compelling evidence of the detrimental impact these companies have on public safety in Mexico.
The administration reiterated its determination to pursue accountability from those involved in the production and distribution of firearms, which contribute to the violence affecting countless families. As Mexico navigates this complex legal landscape, the government remains focused on mitigating the factors that threaten national security and public safety.
This ongoing battle against arms trafficking highlights the intricate ties between U.S. gun manufacturers and the crisis of violence in Mexico, raising questions about the responsibilities of these companies in the transnational arms trade. The Mexican government’s legal efforts underscore a broader challenge to address the flow of illegal arms that fuels the ongoing conflict with drug cartels.
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