The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously decided on Thursday that Mexican lawsuits against American gun manufacturers are not allowed under federal law.
On August 4, 2021, it was noted that the Mexican government had filed a lawsuit against six U.S. gun manufacturers and one wholesaler from the Boston area, claiming “major damage” due to the “illegal trafficking” of firearms.
This lawsuit was initiated based on trafficking allegations, targeting six manufacturers and wholesalers in total.
The Mexican government asserted that it was taking this action due to significant harm caused by the defendants, who were allegedly promoting the illegal trafficking of firearms to Mexican drug cartels and other criminals. Reports suggest that a significant portion of guns found at crime scenes in Mexico (between 70% and 90%) have been trafficked from the U.S. The defendants included six manufacturers whose firearms are frequently recovered in Mexico. Barrett, known for its .50 caliber sniper rifle favored by drug cartels, was among the listed defendants, while Interstate Arms, a wholesaler from Boston, also faced the claims.
The total number of entities involved in Mexico’s lawsuit eventually grew to eight.
In September 2022, a district court judge ruled against Mexico, citing that the protections under the legitimate commercial transactions law (PLCAA) shield U.S. gun manufacturers from such lawsuits. However, Mexico contested this decision, leading to a ruling from a three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, which stated that “the type of claim put forth by Mexico may indeed fall outside the general PLCAA ban.”
In essence, the First Circuit’s ruling permitted the Mexican lawsuit to move forward.
On May 22, 2024, it was reported that Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen spearheaded a coalition opposing Mexican lawsuits.
Knudsen, leading a group of 26 attorneys general, remarked:
U.S. firearm manufacturers should not be held accountable for criminal activities as per federal protections regarding lawful commercial transactions. Mexico’s own policies are to blame for the country’s gun violence issues. Instead of taking responsibility, Mexico and anti-gun advocates are aiming to place blame on American companies that adhere to the law, potentially driving them to bankruptcy. The Court of Appeals made an erroneous decision, and the Supreme Court needs to rectify this.
On August 9, 2024, it was reported that U.S. District Judge Dennis Saylor dismissed most of Mexico’s lawsuit, although some issues concerning Smith & Wesson and a U.S. distributor remained.
On March 4, 2025, it was highlighted that attorneys for Smith & Wesson, including Noel Francisco, argued that Mexico’s case was akin to holding someone liable for car accidents caused by underage drinking.
On June 5, 2025, the Supreme Court referenced the PLCAA, ruling in favor of U.S. gun manufacturers.
Moreover, it was reported that Justice Elena Kagan articulated the court’s unanimous opinion, stating that “Mexico is not confronting manufacturers that directly supply dealers, asserting that these manufacturers are knowingly supplying firearms to problematic dealers.”
