The U.S. State Department is set to designate major Latin American drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, expanding the Trump administration’s crackdown on drug trafficking and illegal immigration. This move grants the U.S. government greater authority to impose sanctions and restrict cartel members’ entry into the country. However, the decision may also complicate diplomatic relations with countries like Mexico and El Salvador.
U.S. Moves to Classify Latin American Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
The U.S. State Department, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is preparing to classify several Latin American drug cartels and gangs—including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel—as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation, which will be officially published in the Federal Register on Thursday, is aimed at disrupting these groups’ operations by enabling financial sanctions and increased law enforcement cooperation.
Why Are These Cartels Being Designated as Terrorist Organizations?
The targeted groups are heavily involved in transnational drug trafficking, including fentanyl and cocaine distribution, as well as human smuggling. The U.S. government argues that these activities pose a national security threat beyond traditional organized crime. This designation will allow the U.S. to take more aggressive legal action against cartel members and limit their ability to enter the country.
Trump Administration’s Renewed Focus on Cartels
President Donald Trump has long pushed for a tougher stance on drug cartels. On January 20, he signed an executive order to create a new pathway for international criminal organizations to be designated as global terrorist threats. This move is part of a broader effort to tighten border security and combat the billions of dollars in revenue that cartels generate through illegal activities.
Diplomatic Consequences for Latin American Nations
The designation could strain U.S. relations with Latin American countries, particularly Mexico and El Salvador. While the Trump administration seeks to work with these governments to curb cartel influence, past attempts to implement similar measures were met with resistance. Former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador opposed the terrorist label in 2019, leading Trump to temporarily halt the move at the time.
Tariffs on Mexico and Canada Over Drug Trade
Earlier this month, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada, citing their role in the international drug trade. However, after diplomatic negotiations, he temporarily paused the tariffs following commitments from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to increase law enforcement efforts against drug trafficking and border security threats.
Conclusion
The decision to classify Latin American cartels as terrorist organizations signals a major shift in U.S. policy on organized crime and drug trafficking. While it strengthens enforcement capabilities, it also risks creating tensions with Latin American allies. The impact of these measures will depend on how aggressively the U.S. pursues enforcement and how regional governments respond.
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