The U.S. State Department has designated eight organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). This move aligns with one of President Trump's early promises since taking office.
According to Executive Order 14157, issued by President Trump, cartels and other transnational organizations "threaten the safety of the American people, the security of the United States, and the stability of the international order in the Western Hemisphere."
The organizations designated include Tren de Aragua, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Cártel de Sinaloa, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas), La Nueva Familia Michoacana, Cártel de Golfo (Gulf Cartel), and Cárteles Unidos.
These designations aim to protect the nation and its citizens by stopping these groups' campaigns of violence both domestically and internationally. The designations provide law enforcement with additional tools to combat these groups.
Terrorist designations are seen as a critical tool in fighting terrorism and reducing support for terrorist activities. The actions taken today reflect the Trump Administration's commitment to national security interests and dismantling dangerous organizations.
For further details on this announcement, refer to the Department of State’s Fact Sheet.
