In a significant move to crack down on organized crime, the U.S. Department of State has officially labeled six Mexican drug cartels, the Salvadoran MS-13 gang, and Venezuela’s Tren De Aragua gang as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This designation, confirmed by Public Notice 12672 in the Federal Register on Wednesday, February 19, aims to increase pressure on these groups and expand U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
Who’s on the Terrorist List?
The newly designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations include:
🔹 Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) – The notorious Salvadoran gang known for extreme violence, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
🔹 Tren De Aragua – A Venezuelan criminal network responsible for extortion, arms trafficking, and organized crime across Latin America.
🔹 Sinaloa Cartel – Also known as Cartel Del Sinaloa, this is one of Mexico’s most powerful drug syndicates, once led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
🔹 Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) – A rapidly growing cartel infamous for military-style attacks and mass executions.
🔹 Carteles Unidos – A coalition of smaller cartels, including Cartel de Tepalcatepec and Cartel Del Abuelo, engaged in extortion, kidnapping, and violence.
🔹 Cartel Del Noreste (CDN) – A faction of Los Zetas, known for brutal tactics, beheadings, and violent territorial wars.
🔹 Gulf Cartel (CDG) – One of Mexico’s oldest cartels, responsible for drug trafficking, assassinations, and organized crime.
🔹 La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM) – A criminal group involved in drug production, smuggling, and mass violence.
The New York Times initially reported that the Colombian Clan Del Golfo was included in the designation, but this turned out to be incorrect. According to sources with access to FBI documents, the Gulf Cartel (CDG) was the actual group being added to the terrorist list—not Clan Del Golfo.
The terrorist designation is not just symbolic—it carries real consequences:
✅ More Aggressive U.S. Action: The U.S. government now has more tools to target financial networks, sanction members, and prosecute individuals who provide support to these groups.
✅ Increased Pressure on Mexico: The Trump administration has pushed Mexico to take stronger action against cartels, even accusing the government of having ties to criminal organizations.
✅ Expanded Counterterrorism Tactics: With this designation, law enforcement agencies can treat these cartels as terrorist groups, rather than just organized crime syndicates.
These cartels aren’t just drug traffickers—they are terrorizing entire regions through:
🚨 Mass killings & torture
🚨 Clandestine gravesites
🚨 Kidnappings & extortion
🚨 Arson & destruction
🚨 Indiscriminate use of explosives
Despite these crimes, many of these cartels have operated with near impunity due to the corruption of Mexican officials and the inaction of the country’s military forces.
This move sets the stage for potential military action, deeper intelligence operations, and stronger crackdowns on financial networks linked to these organizations. The big question now: How will Mexico respond?
👉 Do you think this designation will make a real impact? Should the U.S. do more to combat cartel violence? Reply and let us know your thoughts!
