The Supreme Court appears likely to block a multi-billion dollar suit leveled by Mexico against U.S. firearm manufacturers, which alleges that the companies have contributed to gun violence south of the border.
The case began four years ago and landed this week in front of the Supreme Court, coinciding with the Trump administration’s tariffs against Mexico that took effect on Tuesday.
Justices across the aisle, both liberal and conservative, appeared to question whether Mexico’s claim has merit against U.S. law that offers protection to domestic gun makers from legal action when their products are used in criminal activities.
After a lower court allowed the suit to proceed under an exception for instances where gun manufacturers are accused of breaking the law, the defendants, including Smith & Wesson, Baretta, Colt, and Glock, Inc., appealed to the justices.
A lawyer representing Mexico claims the case alleging economic harm as a result of gun violence is still premature and therefore should be given the green light to proceed. However, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said that since many products can be misused, the United States could see a proliferation of lawsuits that harm the U.S. economy.
“That’s a real concern, I think, for me, about accepting your theory,” Kavanaugh said, per Fox 2 Now.
Justice Samuel Alito floated the idea that the United States could also sue Mexico, citing “illegal conduct” in the country.
Despite the proliferation of cartel violence south of the border, Mexico enforces strict gun control. The country of nearly 130 million people only has a single gun store where citizens can purchase firearms. However, every year, thousands of illegal guns make their way into the hands of drug cartels.
According to the Mexican government, seven out of ten guns that enter the country illegally come from the United States. The lawsuit alleges that American manufacturers are aware these weapons are being sold to traffickers.