The U.S. Department of State has announced the designation of several international cartels and transnational organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). The entities 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 State Department, these designations aim to protect the United States, its citizens, and the broader hemisphere from violence and terror perpetrated by these groups. "Terrorist designations expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the U.S. financial system," states the department.
Tren de Aragua is noted for its origins in Venezuela with activities reported across several South American countries. MS-13 originated in Los Angeles but expanded its operations into Central America after deportations from the U.S. Both organizations are linked to numerous violent acts including kidnappings, assassinations, and attacks on law enforcement.
The Cártel de Sinaloa is recognized as one of the most powerful drug cartels globally, heavily involved in fentanyl trafficking to the United States. Similarly, CJNG operates extensively within Mexico and beyond, engaging in various illicit activities such as extortion and migrant smuggling.
Other designated organizations like CDN, LNFM, CDG, and CU are also involved in drug trafficking along with other criminal enterprises such as human smuggling and extortion. These groups employ violence against civilians and government officials to maintain control over their territories.
The designations mean that all property belonging to these groups within the United States or controlled by U.S. persons will be blocked. Furthermore, Americans are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them.
These actions follow section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act along with Executive Order 13224. The FTO designations become effective upon publication in the Federal Register.
For those seeking removal from this list, guidance is available on the Department of State's Delisting Guidance page.