The United States has designated 20 transnational criminal organisations operating across the Americas as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), aiming to weaken their operations and financial networks. The announcement was made by the US Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, which stated that the designations are part of the Trump administration's efforts to combat organised crime and improve regional security.
Groups Designated
The organisations named include Sinaloa Cartel (Mexico), Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) (Mexico), Cartel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas) (Mexico), La Nueva Familia Michoacana (Mexico), Gulf Cartel (CDG) (Mexico), Carteles Unidos (Mexico), Juarez Cartel (Mexico), Los Viagras (Mexico), Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Tren de Aragua (Venezuela), Cartel de Los Soles (Venezuela), Gran Grif (Haiti), Viv Ansanm (Haiti), Clan del Golfo (Colombia), Barrio 18 (Guatemala), Primeiro Comando da Capital (Brazil), Comando Vermelho (Brazil), Chone Killers (Ecuador), Los Lobos (Ecuador), and Los Choneros (Ecuador).
US Explains Decision
In a statement, the agency said: 'The Trump Administration has now designated 20 dangerous groups in our hemisphere as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.' It added that 'By taking these actions, we deny access to the US financial system,' describing the move as part of broader efforts to protect Americans and strengthen security cooperation across the Western Hemisphere.
Impact of Designations
The designations will freeze any assets these groups hold in the United States and prohibit Americans from engaging in transactions with them. The move also signals increased cooperation with partner nations in the region to combat transnational crime. According to the US Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, the action targets groups involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, and other illicit activities that threaten stability in the Americas.
