The US Supreme Court convened on Wednesday to hear arguments in a significant lawsuit filed by the Mexican government against several US gun manufacturers. The suit, which seeks $10 billion in damages, alleges that these companies are complicit in supplying firearms to drug cartels operating within Mexico. The lawsuit highlights a staggering claim that between 70% and 90% of guns recovered from crime scenes in Mexico originated from the United States.

During the hearing, the justices expressed skepticism regarding Mexico’s allegations. They are tasked with deciding whether to dismiss a previous ruling from an appeals court that permitted Mexico to pursue legal action against the gun manufacturers. The case has attracted considerable attention as it navigates complex issues surrounding cross-border firearm trafficking and the responsibilities of manufacturers.

Central to Mexico’s argument is the assertion that American gun manufacturers knowingly profit from sales to traffickers, with estimates suggesting that these companies could be earning as much as $170 million from these illegal activities. The lawsuit underscores the challenges faced by Mexico, which has stringent laws that make civilian gun purchases nearly impossible. As a result, traffickers often find it easier to acquire weapons in the United States, where regulations can be less stringent.