The State Department is preparing to label over a half-dozen Latin American criminal organizations as foreign terrorist groups, giving US authorities new tools to combat drug cartels, despite Mexico’s diplomatic concerns.
The move follows President Trump’s January 20 executive order calling for the “total elimination” of these groups. Secretary of State Marco Rubio received two weeks to finalize the designations in consultation with cabinet members.
The list targets eight organizations, including six Mexican cartels: the Sinaloa cartel, Jalisco New Generation cartel, Northeast cartel, Michoacán family, United cartels, and Cartel del Golfo. It also names Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and El Salvador’s MS-13.
Mexican diplomats warn the terrorist designation could damage US-Mexico cooperation on drug enforcement and strain diplomatic ties. They have sought private talks with US officials to prevent the designation, highlighting existing joint efforts against cartels.
“There are parts of Mexico, many parts of Mexico, where the government doesn’t control those areas,” Rubio told podcast host Megyn Kelly. “They’re controlled by drug cartels. They are the most powerful force on the ground, and they are flowing into the United States.”
The Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels dominate Mexico’s fentanyl trade, while the Gulf Clan of Colombia controls migrant trafficking through the Darién Gap, charging thousands of dollars to migrants seeking passage to North America.
Last September, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on five Gulf Clan leaders and two Sinaloa cartel businesses. US officials estimate Mexican cartels’ international operations generate up to $20 billion annually, nearly 2% of Mexico’s GDP.
The State Department has briefed congressional committees about the upcoming designations, which could be announced this week.
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