Mexico May Expand U.S. Gunmaker Lawsuit if Cartels Are Labeled Terrorists

Sheinbaum Responds to U.S. Plans to Designate Cartels as Terrorists

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Friday that Mexico may expand its lawsuit against U.S. firearm manufacturers if former President Donald Trump’s administration moves forward with classifying Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations.

During her morning press conference, “La Mañanera del Pueblo,” Sheinbaum was asked about reports suggesting that the U.S. government is close to making this designation. She stated that an expanded lawsuit could be one of Mexico’s initial responses to such a move.

This comes after The New York Times reported that the U.S. State Department is preparing to categorize criminal organizations from Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, and Venezuela as terrorist groups. The list includes the Sinaloa Cartel, the Northeast Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), La Familia Michoacana, and Cárteles Unidos, along with Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, Colombia’s Clan del Golfo, and the infamous Salvadoran gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), originally formed in California.

Mexico’s Legal Strategy Against U.S. Gunmakers

Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico has already filed an international lawsuit against several U.S. gun manufacturers and distributors. If the U.S. officially designates cartels as terrorists, Mexico would have grounds to escalate its legal action.

“Mexico has an international lawsuit against arms manufacturers and distributors in the United States. If criminal organizations were declared terrorists, we would have to expand our lawsuit. The U.S. Department of Justice has already acknowledged that 74% of weapons used by criminal groups in Mexico come from the U.S. So, how would arms manufacturers and distributors be held accountable under such a designation?” Sheinbaum said.

In August 2021, Mexico sued seven major U.S. firearm manufacturers—Smith & Wesson, Barrett, Beretta, Century Arms, Colt, Glock, and Ruger—along with distributor Interstate Arms, alleging that their reckless and illicit business practices fueled cartel violence. However, a Boston judge dismissed most of the case in August 2023, citing lack of jurisdiction. Only Smith & Wesson and Interstate Arms remain as defendants in an ongoing legal battle.

Potential Implications of a Terrorist Designation

The potential classification of Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations could have significant diplomatic and legal consequences. If implemented, it could open the door for the U.S. to take unilateral military or economic actions against cartel groups. Additionally, it could bolster Mexico’s lawsuit by framing U.S. gun manufacturers as facilitators of terrorism under American legal frameworks.

Mexico argues that between 200,000 and 750,000 U.S.-made firearms are smuggled into its territory each year, with the vast majority linked to violent crimes. Mexico has also filed a separate lawsuit in an Arizona court, leveraging a recent U.S. law that penalizes “straw purchasers”—individuals who buy firearms on behalf of others.

Growing Tensions Over Security and Bilateral Relations

As Trump, who is currently leading Republican primary polls, continues to push for aggressive measures against cartels, tensions between Mexico and the U.S. over security policies and firearm regulations are expected to escalate. While Mexico has long opposed direct U.S. intervention on its soil, the legal battle against gunmakers represents a strategic approach to address cross-border violence.

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, the debate over cartel violence and arms trafficking is set to play a central role in U.S.-Mexico relations.