The President of the United States has issued an order to designate certain international cartels and organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists. This move is in line with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
According to the order, these cartels pose a significant national security threat beyond traditional organized crime. Their activities include collaboration with foreign terrorist organizations and antagonistic governments, employing complex adaptive systems akin to insurgency warfare, and infiltrating governments across the Western Hemisphere.
"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," stated the order.
These cartels are said to control nearly all illegal traffic across the southern border of the United States through "a campaign of assassination, terror, rape, and brute force." The document highlights their quasi-governmental role in parts of Mexico where they control many societal aspects.
Other transnational organizations such as Tren de Aragua (TdA) and La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) are also mentioned as threats due to their violent campaigns both domestically and internationally. These groups present an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy.
"I hereby declare a national emergency under IEEPA to deal with those threats," declared the President.
The policy aims at eliminating these organizations' presence in the U.S. Within 14 days from this order's date, relevant authorities must recommend designations for these groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Additionally, operational preparations are required regarding any decision invoking the Alien Enemies Act related to invasions or incursions by qualifying actors.
This directive emphasizes that it does not impair existing legal authority or create enforceable rights against U.S. entities or individuals.
