Mexico Warns U.S. Gunmakers of Legal Action Over Terror Designation for Cartels

President Claudia Sheinbaum signals expanded lawsuits against American firearm manufacturers if cartels are classified as terrorist organizations.

Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has threatened to expand lawsuits against U.S. gunmakers if the United States designates Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups.
Sheinbaum alleges that U.S. gun companies could be considered accomplices to criminal groups, citing data that 74% of weapons used by Mexican cartels originate from the U.S.
A previous $10 billion lawsuit by Mexico against U.S. gunmakers was dismissed in 2024, but ongoing legal efforts target specific manufacturers and dealers linked to gun trafficking.
The U.S. State Department is reportedly planning to classify cartels such as the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation as terrorist organizations, escalating tensions between the two nations.
Mexico has criticized the U.S. for its role in arms trafficking, while also rejecting accusations of alleged alliances between its government and criminal groups.