Mexico has issued a stern warning to the United States, cautioning that it might expand its legal actions against US gunmakers if Washington classifies Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations.
During a press conference, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed that such a designation would potentially implicate gunmakers in acts of terrorism due to their indirect facilitation of cartel violence through firearm sales.
Sheinbaum highlighted that the US Justice Department acknowledges that 74 per cent of firearms used by Mexican criminal groups originate from the US. This statistic underpins Mexico’s ongoing lawsuit against American arms manufacturers, seeking $10 billion for their alleged contribution to criminal violence within Mexican borders.
Mexico's president warns US gunmakers they could face fresh legal action and be deemed accomplices if Washington designates Mexican cartels as terrorist groups https://t.co/tpp5QWH3zH pic.twitter.com/oV6oAhIpPK
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 14, 2025This development follows a report by the New York Times stating that the US State Department intends to label certain criminal groups from Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, and Venezuela as terrorist entities.
Mexico’s firm stance includes a vehement rejection of any claims suggesting governmental alliances with drug cartels. Sheinbaum’s remarks on the social platform X directly countered such accusations, specifically targeting US gun shops for their role in arming these criminal elements.
Mexico threatens Google with legal action over ‘Gulf of America’ name change https://t.co/1WelzJIdZB pic.twitter.com/QkomrLq8ro
— New York Post (@nypost) February 14, 2025The tension between the neighbouring nations escalated following statements from the White House about potential tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, citing issues with illegal immigration and drug smuggling. However, these proposed tariffs have been temporarily suspended for 30 days, offering a brief respite in the ongoing diplomatic strain.
