U.S. Designates 8 Latin Crime Groups as Terrorists

The United States has designated eight Latin American organized crime groups, including Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel and Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, as 'foreign terrorist organizations' in a significant escalation of its fight against drug trafficking. This move, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and authorized by President Donald Trump, targets these groups with sanctions, asset freezes, and travel bans, expanding the US government's tools to combat them. Critics warn that the designation, which is typically reserved for politically motivated groups like al-Qaida, could strain US-Latin America relations and disrupt trade. The Trump administration argues the cartels' involvement in drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, and violence justifies the designation. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed concerns over potential US intervention but acknowledged the need for joint investigations. The designation aligns with Trump's broader efforts to secure the US-Mexico border and address illegal immigration and drug-related issues.