The U.S. Department of State has announced its intention to designate Cartel de los Soles, a Venezuela-based organization, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) effective November 24, 2025. The group is led by Nicolás Maduro and other senior members of what the U.S. describes as the "illegitimate Maduro regime." According to the State Department, these individuals have exerted corrupt influence over Venezuela’s military, intelligence agencies, legislature, and judiciary.
The statement emphasized that neither Maduro nor his associates are recognized as representatives of Venezuela's legitimate government. The Department also noted that Cartel de los Soles works alongside other designated FTOs such as Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel in carrying out terrorist violence across the region and trafficking drugs into both the United States and Europe.
"The United States will continue using all available tools to protect our national security interests and deny funding and resources to narco-terrorists," said the Department of State.
This action is being taken under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The designation will become official upon publication in the Federal Register. Previously, Cartel de los Soles was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Treasury under Executive Order 13224 for its involvement in narcotics trafficking and support for terrorism. More details on this earlier designation can be found at https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0207.
The move reflects ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to target organizations involved in drug trafficking and terrorist activities that impact national security.
