WASHINGTON, DC – The US Supreme Court is to hear arguments on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) in a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Mexico accusing American gun manufacturers of fueling drug trafficking and violence.
Smith & Wesson and US gun distributor Interstate Arms are seeking a dismissal of the Mexican government’s suit, which has been winding its way through US courts since 2021.
A federal judge tossed out the case in 2022 saying Mexico’s claims failed to overcome the extensive protections offered to US firearms manufacturers by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the PLCAA shields gun makers from liability for criminals misusing their products.
An appeals court revived the case, citing an exception to the law, and Smith & Wesson and Interstate Arms have sought relief from the Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority and an expansive view of gun rights.
In its suit, Mexico, which is under mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump to curb drug trafficking, accuses Smith & Wesson and other US gun makers of engaging in a “negligent and illicit” trade that fuels drug cartel violence.
“Mexico simply seeks to halt the unlawful flow of guns into Mexico,” lawyers for the country’s government said in a brief in the suit, which seeks $10 billion in damages.