The U.S. Department of State has officially designated eight transnational criminal organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs)—a historic step in the fight against drug trafficking, organized crime, and cartel-related violence.
This action fulfills a key national security commitment outlined by President Donald J. Trump in Executive Order 14157, which recognizes that cartels and transnational crime networks pose a direct threat to American citizens, U.S. security, and stability across the Western Hemisphere.
Cartels Designated as Terrorist Organizations
The following criminal syndicates have been officially classified as FTOs and SDGTs under U.S. law:
- Tren de Aragua – A rapidly expanding Venezuelan-based criminal network involved in human trafficking, drug smuggling, and extortion across South America and beyond.
- Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) – A notorious gang responsible for brutal acts of violence, including murders, kidnappings, and drug trafficking throughout Central America and the United States.
- Cártel de Sinaloa – One of the world’s most powerful drug cartels, heavily involved in fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution, fueling the ongoing opioid crisis in the U.S.
- Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) – Known for its military-style attacks, assassinations, and mass killings, CJNG is one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal organizations.
- Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas) – A brutal paramilitary cartel engaged in human trafficking, drug production, and extreme acts of violence.
- La Nueva Familia Michoacana – A major Mexican cartel with deep ties to extortion, corruption, and the production of synthetic drugs.
- Cártel del Golfo (Gulf Cartel) – One of Mexico’s oldest criminal organizations, known for its cross-border drug smuggling operations and turf wars.
- Cárteles Unidos – A coalition of criminal groups that control large portions of the drug trade and carry out violent attacks against rivals and law enforcement.
Implications of the Terrorist Designation
The classification of these cartels as terrorist organizations grants U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies expanded powers to combat their influence. These measures include:
- Enhanced financial sanctions – Cutting off cartel funding from international banking systems.
- Legal authority for counterterrorism operations – Allowing U.S. agencies to pursue cartel leaders and disrupt their networks globally.
- Stronger criminal penalties – Individuals who provide material support to these groups can now face severe terrorism-related charges.
- International cooperation – Strengthening security partnerships with Mexico, Central America, and other affected regions to dismantle these organizations.
A Landmark Step in National Security
“The goal of these designations is clear—protecting our nation, our people, and our allies from the relentless violence and terror unleashed by these cartels,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “These groups have caused devastation both in the United States and across Latin America. Today, we are taking decisive action to stop them.”
The Trump Administration remains committed to dismantling these criminal networks, reducing the flow of deadly narcotics into the United States, and ensuring that these violent organizations can no longer operate with impunity.
For further details, see the Department of State’s official fact sheet:
🔗 U.S. State Department – Designation of International Cartels