The United States has officially designated eight of the most violent transnational criminal organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) in a major effort to combat cartel-related violence, drug trafficking, and threats to national security.
This designation reinforces the U.S. government’s commitment to safeguarding American citizens and allies by cutting off these groups from financial and logistical support. The move follows Executive Order 14157, signed by President Donald J. Trump, which recognizes the increasing dangers posed by transnational criminal networks.
Designated Terrorist Cartels
The following criminal organizations have been officially sanctioned under U.S. law:
1. Tren de Aragua (TdA)
- Origin: Venezuela
- Regions Active: Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil
- Criminal Activities: Kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking, bribery, assassination
- Notable Threats: Involved in targeting U.S. law enforcement, assassinations of political opposition figures
2. Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
- Origin: Los Angeles, USA (later expanded into Central America)
- Regions Active: El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, United States
- Criminal Activities: Drug trafficking, human smuggling, violent assassinations, bombings
- Notable Threats: Uses IEDs and drones in attacks against government officials and law enforcement
3. Cártel de Sinaloa
- Origin: Sinaloa, Mexico
- Regions Active: Mexico, United States, global drug trade networks
- Criminal Activities: Largest fentanyl supplier to the U.S., human trafficking, money laundering, assassinations
- Notable Threats: Murders journalists, politicians, and civilians who oppose its operations
4. Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG)
- Origin: Mexico
- Regions Active: Mexico, Central and South America, Australia, China, Southeast Asia
- Criminal Activities: Drug trafficking, extortion, migrant smuggling, arms dealing
- Notable Threats: Deploys military-grade weapons, drones, and explosives in attacks against Mexican authorities
5. Cártel del Noreste (CDN, formerly Los Zetas)
- Origin: Northeastern Mexico
- Regions Active: Mexico, United States
- Criminal Activities: Drug trade, kidnapping, extortion, human trafficking
- Notable Threats: Regularly targets government officials and law enforcement
6. La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM)
- Origin: Michoacán, Mexico
- Regions Active: Guerrero, Morelos, Mexico State
- Criminal Activities: Drug trade, kidnapping, extortion, targeted assassinations
- Notable Threats: Uses explosives and drone strikes against government forces
7. Cártel del Golfo (CDG)
- Origin: Northeastern Mexico
- Regions Active: Mexico, United States
- Criminal Activities: Drug and human trafficking, organized assassinations, extortion
- Notable Threats: Responsible for murders of law enforcement officials and mass killings
8. Cárteles Unidos (CU)
- Origin: Michoacán, Mexico
- Regions Active: Western Mexico
- Criminal Activities: Drug smuggling, arms trade, violence against authorities
- Notable Threats: Coalition of multiple cartels engaging in widespread attacks on civilians and military personnel
Impact of the Terrorist Designations
By designating these organizations as terrorist entities, the U.S. government is implementing strict measures to disrupt their operations and dismantle their financial networks. Key impacts include:
🔹 Freezing of Assets – All U.S.-based assets of these organizations are now blocked, and financial transactions with them are prohibited.
🔹 Expanded Law Enforcement Powers – U.S. agencies can now prosecute individuals who provide material support to these groups under anti-terrorism laws.
🔹 International Cooperation – The designation strengthens U.S. partnerships with Mexico, Central America, and other affected nations in fighting cartel operations.
🔹 Stronger Border Security Measures – Authorities will intensify efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and prevent cartel operatives from entering the United States.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
This action has been carried out under:
✔ Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended
✔ Executive Order 13224, as amended
These designations will take effect upon their publication in the Federal Register. Any individual or organization seeking delisting must follow the Department of State’s Delisting Guidance.
U.S. Stands Firm Against Criminal Cartels
“These violent cartels are no different from terrorist organizations operating in other parts of the world,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Their brutality, cross-border operations, and threats to American lives demand a response that is just as strong. This designation is a game-changer in our fight against transnational crime.”
The Biden Administration, in collaboration with U.S. law enforcement agencies and international partners, remains committed to disrupting these organizations and ensuring that they can no longer terrorize communities, traffic deadly narcotics, or threaten U.S. national security.
🔗 For more details, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official page:
U.S. Sanctions & Delisting Guidance