March 4, 2025
On March 4th, the U.S. Supreme Court heard opening arguments in Mexico v. Smith & Wesson, a landmark case seeking to hold U.S. gun manufacturers accountable for the deadly impact of their products in Mexico. This case marks a pivotal moment in the fight against gun violence—one that could set a major precedent.
At Global Exchange, we know that facts and the voices of impacted communities are our most powerful tools in this fight. And today was proof of that.
Research conducted by Global Exchange’s Stop U.S. Arms to Mexico program on U.S. firearms trafficked across the border provided the Mexican government with evidence used in the case.
This morning, we gathered with supporters for a listening session of the Supreme Court arguments, where we heard from experts on the case’s legal complexities and, most importantly, the profound human toll of firearm violence in Mexico. If you missed it, you can listen to the arguments here.
Yesterday, John Lindsay-Poland, founder of the Stop U.S. Arms to Mexico program, was interviewed on The World about his groundbreaking research tracing U.S.-made guns to homicides in Mexico. More than 70% of guns used in homicides in Mexico originate in the United States—a staggering statistic that underscores the urgent need for change.
Today, we also took action at the highest levels. We sent a letter to the White House, signed by dozens of faith, peace, gun violence prevention, and organizations, demanding that President Trump uphold his promise to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum: to stop the trafficking of high-powered weapons into Mexico. Read our press release here.
As Trump moves to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and the Supreme Court hears Mexico’s case, we urge the administration to confront the root cause: the unchecked flow of U.S. firearms that fuels violence, strengthens cartels, and forces families to flee their homes.
“U.S.-sourced firearms are enabling cartels to devastate communities, fuel the narcotics trade, and intimidate local authorities—forcing migration from Mexico to the United States.” – from our letter to the White House.
No matter what happens in court or in Washington, our fight continues. We commit to doing everything we can to stop the flow of U.S. guns into Mexico.
Will you stand with us? Your donation will:
- Support survivors of gun violence to tell their stories.
- Fund continued research exposing the link between U.S. gun dealers and violence in Mexico.
- Power community education and advocacy for responsible gun laws.
Make your gift today to help stop the deadly flow of U.S. guns to Mexico.
We’ll keep you updated on this critical case. Thank you for standing with us in solidarity and action.