MEXICO CITY, (Reuters) – Mexico believes that the suit it filed against U.S. arms manufacturers for their negligent business practices will make the sector change, despite companies’ efforts to dismiss the case, Mexican officials stated on Friday.

Mexican authorities claim that the Mexican government knew about their illegal arms trade into Mexico and helped to kill thousands.

Mexico’s accusations have been rejected in the arms sector.

The firms, including Smith & Wesson, Barrett Firearms and Colt’s Manufacturing Co have until Monday to respond to the lawsuit Mexico filed in a Massachusetts court in August, and Mexican officials are confident they are winning the argument.

In briefings with journalists, officials stated that firearms producers would have to improve their practice once further facts were known.

Unidentified official said that discussions regarding the motion to dismiss the lawsuit were over and they get to the bottom of the matter. “And during the discovery process I can guarantee you that the companies will self regulate.”

Mexico had expected companies to blame corruption in Mexico, as well as other shortcomings for illegal arms entry into the country.

A Mexican official pointed out that the idea of holding weapons makers accountable was popularly supported by Mexicans. According to the official, if the firms attempted to make the matter seem like it was about Mexican corruption, Mexico could end up discussing corruption at the U.S. borders and the role that the National Rifle Association plays in U.S. politics.

Requests for comment were not promptly answered by lawyers representing the arms firms.