In a bold move to address escalating cartel violence, the Mexican government has filed two landmark lawsuits against U.S. entities accused of enabling arms trafficking. The first, in 2021, targeted gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson and a wholesaler, while the second, in 2022, named five Arizona gun stores for alleged “reckless and unlawful business practices.” With an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 firearms smuggled annually from the U.S. into Mexico, the lawsuits aim to sever the so-called “iron river” of guns fueling cartel violence. Attorney Jonathan Lowy, representing Mexico, emphasized the connection between U.S. arms trafficking and widespread issues like organized crime and border instability.
Mexico’s stringent gun laws contrast sharply with those in the U.S., where over 75,000 gun dealers operate nationwide compared to Mexico’s sole government-run store. Despite rigorous measures, Mexican authorities report that 75% of confiscated high-caliber weapons originate in the U.S. A striking example occurred in 2019, when cartel gunmen armed with American-made armaments forced the government to release drug lord Ovidio Guzmán López after a deadly standoff. Following Guzmán’s recapture in 2023, weapons linked to the Arizona-based dealer Ammo AZ were recovered at the scene, highlighting the critical role of U.S. dealers in the illegal arms trade.
While most U.S. gun dealers comply with regulations, Mexico’s lawsuits focus on “bad actors” who allegedly turn a blind eye to straw purchasing and trafficking indicators. Smith & Wesson and Ammo AZ have denied wrongdoing, with the latter asserting compliance with ATF regulations. Mexico argues that gunmakers and dealers must enforce stricter oversight to prevent illegal sales. If successful, the lawsuits could set a global precedent, holding the U.S. gun industry accountable for the cross-border violence fueled by its products.
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