Trump Declares Gangs and Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

President Donald Trump has made a big move to keep America safe. He declared eight Mexican drug cartels and groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This happened on February 19, 2025, as part of a plan to stop these dangerous groups.

Trump’s move aims to hit these groups hard with financial sanctions and strict laws. The Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) are among them. They spread drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl all over the U.S. This shows Trump’s strong stance against organized crime.

By calling these groups FTOs, the U.S. can now freeze their money, ban their leaders from traveling, and work better with other countries. These cartels and gangs are a big threat to America. Trump’s action is a key step to protect American values and safety.

Key Takeaways

• Eight Mexican drug cartels and transnational criminal groups have been designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
• The U.S. can now freeze assets and impose sanctions on these cartels, boosting national security efforts.
• Major cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel are key targets due to their extensive drug distribution in the U.S.
• MS-13 and Tren de Aragua have growing presences in both the U.S. and Latin America, making such measures urgent.
• The designation marks a fulfillment of Trump’s campaign promise to escalate pressure on drug cartels.

Trump’s Bold Move Against Organized Crime

President Trump has taken a strong step against powerful criminal groups. He made eight Latin American organized crime groups known as foreign terrorist organizations. This shows America’s determination to fight these threats.

Executive Order and Its Implications

This order aims to cut off the money supply of these groups. It also increases penalties for those who help them. This action hampers their drug trafficking, like fentanyl and methamphetamine, and weakens their national security threat.

For example, the US is now paying a $15 million reward for Nemesio Oseguera, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel’s leader. He is wanted for his role in drug trafficking.

The Role of the US President in Combatting Cartels

As President, Trump focuses on strengthening national security. His actions against groups like the Sinaloa Cartel show his dedication. The order helps law enforcement and boosts international cooperation against criminal organizations.

Context and Background Leading to the Declaration

The fight against criminal organizations has a long history in America. We’ve always aimed to keep justice and uphold the law. From fighting the mafia to the war on drugs, the U.S. leads the charge.

Historical Context of Criminal Organizations

The U.S. saw the rise of the Mafia during the prohibition era. World War II saw massive amphetamine production, showing substance abuse’s long-standing issue. The war on drugs started in the 1960s, with over $1 trillion spent so far.

Important laws have guided our fight, like the Smoking Opium Exclusion Act of 1909. By the late 19th century, opiates affected one in 200 Americans. Our efforts to overcome these challenges have been significant.

Previous Measures Against Gangs and Cartels

Previous efforts against cartels have paved the way for today’s actions. We’ve used strategies like targeting cartel leaders and tackling synthetic drugs like fentanyl. The 2023 federal drug war budget reached $39 billion, showing our growing focus.

Steps taken by past administrations have led to today’s bold move. We now see cartels as terrorist organizations. This move is a strategic escalation, showing our commitment to safety and sovereignty.

Details of the Executive Order

President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025. It’s a strong move against organized crime. The order labels eight major groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), citing threats to U.S. security. This shows Trump’s strong will to protect Americans from drug cartels and gangs.

Specifics of the Designation

The order targets eight groups, calling them FTOs because of their violent and illegal activities:

• Sinaloa Cartel (Mexico)
• Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Mexico)
• MS-13 (El Salvador/U.S.)
• Tren de Aragua (Venezuela)
• Carteles Unidos (Mexico)
• Northeast Cartel (Mexico)
• Gulf Cartel (Mexico)
• La Nueva Familia Michoacana (Mexico)

This means these groups will face strict measures like asset freezes and travel bans. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says the Jalisco New Generation Cartel spreads dangerous drugs like fentanyl everywhere. By calling them FTOs, we tell them their actions won’t be tolerated anymore.

Legal and Political Ramifications

This order gives U.S. authorities strong tools to fight these cartels. They can freeze assets, impose sanctions, and even use military actions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says these groups deserve to be on the FTO list because of their terroristic actions against U.S. citizens.

Politically, this move will change U.S. foreign policy and its relations with countries like Mexico. The cartels’ control over the border affects cooperation on law enforcement and fighting drugs. Former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said a lot of resources are being used to tackle this problem, showing the administration’s commitment to security.

By setting clear lines and taking action, we protect our nation’s borders and keep Americans safe. The executive order shows our deep commitment to fighting these threats and upholding justice and security.

Impact on National Security

The Trump administration has made a bold move to protect our national security. By labeling gangs and cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, they’re taking a strong stance. This action boosts border security with better surveillance and stricter immigration rules.

As a result, the U.S. can now track and stop dangerous activities more effectively. This ensures our nation’s safety and sovereignty.

Enhancing Border Security

This move shows a clear commitment to making our borders safer. By giving our border patrol advanced technology, we can catch criminals more easily. This includes eight Mexican drug cartels, known for spreading harmful drugs.

By freezing their assets, we weaken their financial power. This limits their ability to operate within our borders.

Collaboration with International Partners

Dealing with global crime groups requires teamwork with other countries. Working closely with Mexico, for example, helps us tackle cartel operations together. This teamwork is key to fighting groups like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.

By taking these steps, we’re not just keeping promises. We’re also strengthening our national and international security. This shows America’s determination to fight against the threats from ruthless cartels and gangs.

Source Links

• US Declares Cartels Terrorist Organizations
• State Department designates Tren de Aragua, MS-13 as global terrorist groups
• State Dept Poised to Designate Latin-America Gangs Tren de Aragua, MS13 and the Sinaloa Cartel as Foreign Terrorist Organizations – The Last Refuge
• Latin America’s ‘terrorist’ cartels in Trump’s sights
• Trump administration labels 8 Latin American cartels as ‘foreign terrorist organizations’
• Bosnian Police Officials Arrested In Large-Scale Drug Operation
• War on drugs
• A look at the 8 Latin American crime groups designated as terrorist organizations by the US