Mexico Threatens US Lawsuit Over Cartel Terrorism Designation

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a warning last month regarding the Trump administration's plan to designate drug cartels as terrorist groups. During a news conference, Sheinbaum stated, "If they declare these criminal groups as terrorists, then we’ll have to expand our U.S. lawsuit." This statement refers to an unprecedented lawsuit scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. In this case, Mexico alleges that U.S. gun manufacturers have facilitated the trafficking of weapons used by drug cartels.

Reversing the Narrative

This case presents a reversal of longstanding complaints by President Trump, who has asserted that Mexican cartels have fueled rising violence in the United States. Instead, Mexico contends that the majority of guns recovered from crime scenes within its borders originate from the United States. Consequently, Mexico is seeking $10 billion in damages from U.S. gun manufacturers.