The U.S. State Department, under Donald Trump’s administration, delivered a bombshell on February 19, 2025, officially designating eight notorious Latin American crime organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). A bold move targeting cartels whose criminal activities span across the globe, this designation is meant to cripple the lifeblood of their operations.
The groups targeted include the Tren de Aragua, MS-13, Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, United Cartels, Northeast Cartel, Gulf Cartel, and the Michoacán Family. These organizations, responsible for mass drug trafficking, extortion, and ruthless territorial wars, now face increased pressure from the U.S. government.
Now labeled FTOs, the cartels are cut off from vital resources. The label bans U.S. citizens from providing material support to them and gives the government more power to deport anyone tied to these groups. It also paves the way for stronger international collaboration, signaling a clear message that the U.S. is doubling down on combatting the massive global drug trade.
However, the decision isn’t without backlash. Critics argue that this could complicate diplomatic relations with Latin American nations and send shockwaves through global trade networks, with the fear of potential prosecution hanging over businesses. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has already voiced her opposition to any extraterritorial actions, though she is open to joint efforts against the cartels. This isn’t about diplomacy. It’s about eliminating the cancer eating away at society.
The move is a decisive one from the Trump administration, making it crystal clear that no corner of the globe is off-limits for U.S. efforts to combat organized crime.
Sources:
https://x.com/america/status/1892287517791035803
https://x.com/disclosetv/status/1892265369038954560
https://apnews.com/article/eb35567b69fc66f13f7f79fb90906a50
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/19/us-mexico-cartels-terrorism