US Designates Six Mexican Cartels as Terrorist Organizations

The Trump administration is poised to designate several Mexican drug cartels and two Central American gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, marking a significant shift in the U.S. approach to combating organized crime. Among the cartels expected to be sanctioned are the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Gulf Cartel, Cartel del Noreste, La Familia Michoacana, and Carteles Unidos, following an executive order issued by Trump on January 20. This designation allows the U.S. government to impose harsher economic sanctions and expands measures against drug and human trafficking. The move is part of a broader strategy to address the severe violence associated with these groups, which includes the use of explosives and landmines. Additionally, the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the Salvadoran gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) are also set to be designated. The announcement is anticipated to occur shortly, with U.S. officials suggesting that the list of designated organizations could change before it is finalized.