US Designates Eight Latin American Crime Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
The US formally labels eight Latin American organized crime groups as foreign terrorist organizations, intensifying efforts against drug trafficking and associated violence.
The formal move by the State Department raises questions about the timing of possible financial sanctions on the groups and those who are linked to them.
U.S. designates Mexican cartels, Tren de Aragua and others as foreign terrorist organizations
NBC News·1M
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The escalation of tensions is likely to aggravate negotiations over tariffs that Trump threatened to place on Mexican imports.
Trump designates violent Latin American gangs as global terror organizations
The Blaze·1M
·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.The designation is part of Trump’s plan to “wage war” on Mexico’s organised crime groups, which he claims will address the fentanyl crisis in the US.
US adds Mexican cartels to list of foreign terrorist organisations
The Guardian·1M
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.The Trump administration is applying a “terrorist” designation that’s normally reserved for groups like the Islamic State group or al-Qaida that use violence for political ends — not for money-focused crime rings such as the Latin American cartels.
A look at the 8 Latin American crime groups designated as terrorist organizations by the US
ABC News·1M
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The Trump administration argues that the international connections and operations of the groups — including drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and violent pushes to extend their territory — warrant the designation.
Trump administration designates 8 Latin American cartels as 'foreign terrorist organizations'
PBS NewsHour·1M
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.The cartels in the list have all been tied to mass killings, clandestine gravesites, widespread kidnappings, extortion, arson, and torture.
U.S. State Department Designates Six Mexican Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
Breitbart News·1M
·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.The move is a fulfillment of President Trump's executive order on the matter, which he signed on his first day back in the White House on January 20.
It's Official: State Department Set to Designate These Cartels As Terrorist Organizations
Townhall·1M
·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.Far RightThis outlet leans heavily toward right-wing views.The “foreign terrorist organization” label is unusual because it deploys a terrorist designation normally reserved for groups like al-Qaida or the Islamic State group that use violence for political ends — not for money-focused crime rings such as the Latin American cartels.
Trump administration labels 8 Latin American cartels as 'foreign terrorist organizations'
Associated Press·1M
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The cartels have engaged in a campaign of violence and terror throughout the Western Hemisphere that has not only destabilized countries with significant importance for our national interests but also flooded the United States with deadly drugs, violent criminals, and vicious gangs.
US Officially Declares Mexican Cartels, Foreign Gangs as Global Terrorists
Epoch Times·1M
·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.Mexico responded to the tariff threat by sending 10,000 National Guard troops to the northern border.
Mexico President Says Her Government Requested US Surveillance Drone Flights
Newsmax·1M
·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
Summary
The Trump administration has officially designated eight organized crime groups from Latin America, including the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation stems from concerns over their involvement in drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, and violent territorial expansion. Critics argue that this label could hinder trade with Latin America and harm diplomatic relations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has pushed back against perceived violations of sovereignty. The designation is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to address the fentanyl crisis and organized crime infiltration.
Perspectives
No center-leaning sources available for this story.