Washington – The current administration has officially categorized eight Latin American criminal organizations as “foreign terrorist organizations,” intensifying its campaign against cartels that operate within the United States and any individuals providing them assistance.
This action, which stems from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, includes organizations such as Tren de Aragua from Venezuela and MS-13 from El Salvador. An announcement regarding this designation is set to appear in the Federal Register on Thursday, following a notification issued on Wednesday.
Securing the U.S.-Mexico border remains a top priority for the Republican president, who has committed to enforcing mass deportations, dispatching active-duty military personnel to the border, and negotiating agreements with select nations to accommodate a larger influx of migrants. The formal notice of this designation will be available in the federal publication shortly.
Labeling these organizations as “foreign terrorist organizations” is uncommon as it aligns them with groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State, which typically engage in political violence, rather than the profit-driven crime syndicates prevalent in Latin America.
The administration claims that the international activities and collaborations of these organizations—ranging from drug trafficking to migrant smuggling and territorial aggression—justify this classification.
Opponents, however, argue that this designation is excessive and could harm diplomatic ties while hindering trade with Latin American countries. There is a concern that businesses, banks, and traders may shy away from transactions linked to these cartels out of fear of U.S. legal repercussions, whether or not they are directly involved.
These criminal organizations have deeply infiltrated Mexico’s economy, engaging in not just drug trafficking and migrant smuggling, but also battling for dominance in lucrative sectors like the avocado market.
Relief organizations have voiced that previous U.S. classifications of certain groups as foreign terrorist organizations might disrupt food imports to affected countries, as shipping companies could be apprehensive about being accused of inadvertently aiding targeted entities.
In response to Trump’s recent executive action, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico would uphold its sovereignty and pursue coordinated efforts while addressing the issue. “We all want to combat the drug cartels,” Sheinbaum stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, “The U.S. on their territory, and us in ours.”
