US Labels Mexican Cartels as Terrorists, Increases Surveillance

The US Department of State has announced it will classify the Sinaloa, Noreste, Jalisco Nueva Generación, La Familia Michoacana, and Cárteles Unidos as terrorist organizations, according to The New York Times. In addition to Mexican cartels, the list includes Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, Colombia’s Clan del Golfo, and El Salvador’s Mara Salvatrucha cartels.

On Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order classifying cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, labeling them as a national security threat that surpasses traditional organized crime. The policy seeks to dismantle the operational and command structures of these groups, both within the United States and internationally, to protect US citizens and national security. The initial list includes eight criminal groups, though it remains subject to revisions.

In addition to the designation, Gregory Guillot, Head, US Northern Command, confirmed that the US military has ramped up its surveillance of Mexican cartels. “We have enhanced certain military capabilities to track the cartels fueling illegal migration, primarily through advanced technology to improve intelligence gathering and develop countermeasures,” he stated. Guillot also reported that 5,000 US troops are currently stationed along the Mexico-US border.

Recently, Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call to review agreements between President Claudia Sheinbaum and President Trump, reaffirming their commitment to a bilateral relationship based on mutual respect for national sovereignty. “Mexico and the United States will continue cooperating while upholding each nation’s sovereignty to ensure shared benefits,” stated de la Fuente.

Terrorist Designation Sparks Concern

Experts have raised concerns that the historical precedent of classifying cartels as terrorist organizations could provide Trump with a basis for further deploying special forces to target these groups, potentially circumventing the consent of the Mexican government. 

Carlos Rubio, Expert in Foreign Relations, Integralia Consultores, explained that the designation will also have strong financial ramifications, granting the US Treasury the authority to freeze the assets of financial institutions connected to the designated cartels or their members.  A study by The Wilson Center warned that classifying Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations would not only impact the cartels but also legitimate businesses and individuals. "Designating these cartels as foreign terrorist organizations could trigger widespread economic instability, affecting not only the cartels but also businesses and individuals in the region."