15 sources·Politics

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.

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  1. US adds Mexican cartels to list of foreign terrorist organisations

    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

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  2. A look at the 8 Latin American crime groups designated as terrorist organizations by the US

    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

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  3. Trump administration designates 8 Latin American cartels as 'foreign terrorist organizations'

    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'

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  4. It's Official: State Department Set to Designate These Cartels As Terrorist Organizations

    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

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  5. Trump administration labels 8 Latin American cartels as 'foreign terrorist organizations'

    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'

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  6. US Officially Declares Mexican Cartels, Foreign Gangs as Global Terrorists

    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

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Feb 19th, 2025, 6:21 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

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.


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US Designates Eight Latin American Crime Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations - Pano News