T he U.S. government has officially designated two violent gangs and six major Mexican cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), intensifying efforts to combat transnational crime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision in the Federal Register on Thursday, targeting Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, El Salvador’s MS-13, and the notorious Mexican cartels: Sinaloa, Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), Carteles Unidos, Cartel del Noreste, Cartel del Golfo, and La Nueva Familia Michoacana. The move aligns these criminal enterprises with recognized terrorist groups, increasing legal options to dismantle their operations.
Tren de Aragua: Migrant-Hunting Criminal Empire
Originating in Venezuelan prisons, Tren de Aragua (TdA) has evolved into a major smuggling and extortion network stretching across Latin America. Engaging in human trafficking, drug distribution, and violent crime, the group has spread its influence from Venezuela to Chile, causing widespread disruption. The U.S. government cited its extensive criminal activities as justification for the FTO designation, linking its presence to increasing security threats at the southern border.
MS-13: A Brutal Transnational Threat
Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, was formed in the 1980s in Los Angeles by Salvadoran refugees. Over the decades, it has expanded across Central America, becoming synonymous with extreme violence, murder, and drug trafficking. The group’s role in organized crime and its brutal enforcement tactics have led to repeated crackdowns, yet its influence remains strong in several U.S. cities and across El Salvador, where security forces have waged a relentless battle against its members.
Sinaloa Cartel: The Fentanyl Pipeline
The Sinaloa Cartel remains one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world, responsible for the large-scale distribution of fentanyl, heroin, and other narcotics. With its leadership fractured following the imprisonment of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, the cartel continues to operate through multiple factions. Authorities have linked it to mass drug-related deaths in the U.S., making it a prime target for counterterrorism measures.
Cartel del Golfo: Cross-Border Violence
Operating out of Matamoros, Mexico, the Gulf Cartel (CDG) has a long history of violent conflicts with rival organizations and law enforcement. Its proximity to the U.S. border makes it a key player in drug trafficking and human smuggling. The group’s involvement in high-profile kidnappings and brutal killings has contributed to its classification as a terrorist entity.
CJNG: The Ruthless Meth Empire
Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel (CJNG), led by Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, is considered one of the most aggressive and expansionist cartels in Mexico. Its dominance in methamphetamine and fentanyl production, along with its ability to infiltrate political and economic sectors, has made it a major national security threat. The U.S. government’s classification underscores the severity of its impact on drug-related violence.
Carteles Unidos: Avocado Extortionists
Carteles Unidos, an alliance of criminal groups in Michoacán, has diversified beyond drug trafficking into extortion, particularly within the lucrative avocado industry. Controlling vast agricultural regions through violence and intimidation, this organization has leveraged economic power to fund its criminal operations. The FTO designation aims to cut off its financial resources and disrupt its hold on the region.
Cartel del Noreste: The Zetas’ Successor
Formed from the remnants of Los Zetas, the Cartel del Noreste (CDN) is notorious for its brutal enforcement tactics and involvement in human smuggling. Engaging in widespread violence along the U.S.-Mexico border, the group has utilized social media to recruit members and facilitate illicit operations. The U.S. government’s designation targets its cross-border activities and criminal enterprises.
La Nueva Familia Michoacana: Legacy of Violence
Led by brothers José Alfredo and Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga, La Nueva Familia Michoacana has maintained control over drug and human trafficking routes in central Mexico. The organization’s deep entrenchment in organized crime, combined with its history of violent territorial disputes, has led to its classification as a terrorist entity.
Strategic Impact of the FTO Designation
With these eight organizations now classified as FTOs, the U.S. gains broader legal and financial tools to combat their influence. The designation enables asset seizures, travel restrictions, and enhanced law enforcement operations targeting cartel leadership and financial networks. While some analysts question the effectiveness of such measures, the move signals a continued commitment to dismantling transnational criminal organizations operating within and beyond U.S. borders.
The implications of this designation will be closely watched as law enforcement and intelligence agencies escalate efforts to curb cartel violence and drug trafficking, with further policy actions expected in the coming months.
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