The White House has issued an executive order to designate certain international cartels and organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists. This decision is made under the authority of the President, as provided by the Constitution and U.S. laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The order outlines a process for identifying these groups, which are seen as posing a national security threat beyond traditional organized crime. These cartels have been involved in activities such as forming alliances with foreign terrorist organizations and governments, engaging in insurgency-like operations, and infiltrating foreign governments.
"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," states the order.
The document highlights that these cartels control illegal traffic across the southern U.S. border through violence and terror, acting as quasi-governmental entities in parts of Mexico. The activities of these groups pose a significant risk to U.S. national security.
Additionally, other transnational organizations like Tren de Aragua (TdA) and La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) are identified as similar threats due to their violent campaigns both domestically and internationally.
"I hereby declare a national emergency, under IEEPA, to deal with those threats," declares the President in the order.
The policy aims for total elimination of these organizations' presence in the U.S., ensuring they cannot threaten American safety or territorial integrity. Within 14 days from this order's issuance, relevant government officials are tasked with recommending designations for these groups under applicable laws.
Furthermore, preparations will be made to implement any decisions regarding potential invasions or incursions by these actors against U.S. territory.
This executive order emphasizes that it does not alter existing legal authorities or create enforceable rights against the United States or its representatives.
