The United States Department of State has announced the designation of several international cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). This move aims to curb the violence and terror perpetrated by these groups.
The organizations designated include Tren de Aragua (TdA), Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Cártel de Sinaloa, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Cártel del Noreste (CDN), La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM), Cártel de Golfo (CDG), and Cárteles Unidos (CU).
According to the Department of State, "TdA is a transnational organization that originated in Venezuela with cells in Colombia, Peru, and Chile," involved in activities such as kidnappings and extortion. MS-13, which started in Los Angeles, is now active in Central America and North America. It has been involved in violent attacks including assassination attempts against government officials.
The Cártel de Sinaloa is recognized as one of the world's most powerful drug cartels. It is noted for its involvement in drug trafficking to the United States. CJNG operates across Mexico and engages in various criminal activities including drug trafficking and extortion.
CDN, formerly known as Los Zetas, operates primarily in northeastern Mexico. LNFM continues the operations of La Familia Michoacana, using violence to maintain control over its territories. CDG is active in northeast Mexico, employing violence to intimidate civilians and officials. CU was formed from an alliance of multiple cartels in Michoacán, Mexico.
These designations aim to "expose and isolate entities and individuals" by blocking their access to the U.S. financial system. The actions taken today block all property and interests belonging to these groups within U.S. jurisdiction.
Today's actions are executed under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. The designations will be effective upon publication in the Federal Register.
For those seeking removal from this list, guidance can be found on the Department of State's Delisting Guidance page.
Information from this article can be found here.
