U.S. Senators Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton, and Rick Scott introduced the Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act of 2026 on March 13. The proposed legislation would require the Secretary of State to designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization if it is confirmed that the group is cooperating with Iranian groups already labeled as terrorist organizations.
The bill aims to address concerns about security threats posed by alleged cooperation between the Polisario Front and Iranian-backed groups. According to the senators, such ties could undermine U.S. national security and that of its allies.
Cruz said, “The Iranian regime is trying to turn the Polisario Front into the Houthis of West Africa and use them to undermine the national security of the United States and our allies. The Polisario Front is working with Iranian terrorist groups, receiving drones from the IRGC, and moving weapons around the region on behalf of the Iranian regime. This bill will ensure that America’s most powerful anti-terrorism sanctions can be used to counter those threats and, once a designation is secured, the Polisario Front and its leaders will be cut off from access to the global financial system, international travel, and the resources they rely upon to conduct their terrorism.”
Cotton said, “The Polisario Front is a terrorist organization that openly supports Iran and Hezbollah. Designating these terrorists as such is long overdue.” Scott added, “The Polisario Front’s ties to adversaries like Communist China, Iran, and Russia, and its cooperation with Iranian-backed terrorists like Hezbollah must be confronted. I am proud to join Senator Cruz on the Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act to ensure the United States has the tools to fully investigate these terrorists and hold those involved accountable. The United States doesn’t negotiate with terrorists. This bill makes clear that any threat to the American people and our way of life will be met with decisive action.”
The legislation would start a process for designating the group as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) if evidence shows military or terrorist cooperation with Iranian-affiliated groups in areas such as armed operations, weapons systems including firearms or drones, air defense components, or intelligence support.
Cruz has previously won several elections for his Senate seat: in 2024 he defeated Colin Allred in Texas's general election by earning 53.1% of votes compared to Allred's 44.6%, according to official results; in 2018 he won against Beto O'Rourke with 50.9% versus O'Rourke's 48.3%; in 2012 he defeated Paul Sadler by securing 56.5% over Sadler's 40.6%.
Lawmakers say this bill would give U.S. authorities more tools for investigating suspected links between foreign groups like the Polisario Front and designated terrorist organizations.
