The Trump administration has officially designated eight Latin American criminal organizations, including six Mexican drug cartels and two gangs, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). This action aims to enhance the U.S. government’s ability to combat these groups by imposing stricter sanctions and enabling more aggressive measures.
Designated Organizations:
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Mexican Drug Cartels:
- Sinaloa Cartel
- Jalisco New Generation Cartel
- Carteles Unidos
- Cartel del Noreste
- Gulf Cartel
- La Nueva Familia Michoacana
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Gangs:
- Tren de Aragua (Venezuela)
- Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
The designations, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were made in consultation with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. They are intended to disrupt the financial networks and operational capabilities of these organizations. FTO designations, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, focus on organizations and impose criminal penalties for involvement. SDGT designations, under Executive Order 13224, target both organizations and individuals, leading to sanctions and asset seizures.
This move follows reports that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is deploying unarmed MQ-9 Reaper drones over Mexico for surveillance missions against these cartels. The terrorist designations could pave the way for more direct actions, such as targeted strikes against cartel leadership and infrastructure.
Mexican officials have expressed concerns over potential violations of national sovereignty. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that shared information between the U.S. and Mexican governments is crucial in addressing the cartel threat.
This development underscores the administration’s commitment to intensifying efforts against transnational criminal organizations that significantly impact both U.S. national security and regional stability.