The United States government has reaffirmed its intention to combat cartel and terrorist activity in the Western Hemisphere. President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation on March 7, 2026, outlining measures his administration is taking to address these threats.
According to the proclamation, the Trump administration has designated several cartels and transnational gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. The administration has also increased resources dedicated to dismantling these groups. The statement describes these organizations as controlling territories and commerce, influencing political and judicial systems, possessing military capabilities, and using violence to achieve their objectives.
As part of its efforts, the Secretary of War established the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition. This coalition consists of military leaders and representatives from 17 countries who have pledged to use coordinated force against cartel activity in the region.
President Trump stated: "The United States, under my leadership, has demonstrated a sustained commitment towards achieving the dismantlement of cartels and foreign terrorists operating in the Western Hemisphere. My Administration has designated a number of cartels and transnational gangs as foreign terrorist organizations and has since dedicated unprecedented resources towards their destruction. These international entities control territories and commerce, extort political and judicial systems, wield arms and field military capabilities, and use assassinations and terrorism to achieve their ends. In furtherance of our efforts, the Secretary of War established the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, a pledge from military leaders and representatives from 17 countries demonstrating that the region is ready to operationalize hard power to defeat these threats to our security and civilization. We will address these grave dangers by use of any necessary resources and legally available authorities, together with our partner nations."
The proclamation calls for demolishing criminal cartels within legal limits; coordinating with allies to cut off access to territory or financing; training partner nation militaries; mobilizing forces against organized intimidation; and countering external threats including those from outside the hemisphere.
President Trump concluded: "NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America...do hereby proclaim as follows:
(1) Criminal cartels and foreign terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere should be demolished to the fullest extent possible consistent with applicable law.
(2) The United States and its allies should coordinate to deprive these organizations of any control of territory and access to financing or resources necessary to conduct their campaigns of violence.
(3) The United States will train and mobilize partner nation militaries to achieve the most effective fighting force necessary to dismantle cartels and their ability to export violence and pursue influence through organized intimidation.
(4) The United States and its allies should keep external threats at bay, including malign foreign influences from outside the Western Hemisphere."
The announcement marks another step in U.S.-led regional cooperation against organized crime.
