The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously dismissed Mexico’s lawsuit against American firearms manufacturers, siding with a multistate coalition led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The decision marks a significant victory for gun rights advocates and American manufacturers facing international legal challenges.
Mexico had sued Smith & Wesson and Interstate Arms, claiming the companies bore responsibility for weapons used by drug cartels. The lawsuit sought to hold American manufacturers liable for criminal activities south of the border.
“Mexico cannot blame American firearms companies for its ongoing internal war against the cartels, and in no way can a foreign nation be allowed to undermine our Second Amendment rights,” Paxton said. “I proudly supported our firearms manufacturers against Mexico’s baseless assault on our liberties and am pleased the Supreme Court unanimously sided with common sense, the rule of law, and America.”
The attorneys general coalition argued that Mexico has numerous options to address its gun violence problems. These include reporting dealers allegedly selling to cartels, seeking extradition of gun traffickers, or strengthening border controls.
“But it cannot end the domestic manufacturing of American firearms. Nor can it impose its policy preferences on the United States by judicial fiat,” the brief stated.