The U.S. State Department has officially designated several notorious drug cartels and gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT), a move aimed at bolstering the government’s efforts to combat these criminal enterprises. This announcement was made on Wednesday and marks a significant escalation in the U.S. approach to tackling transnational drug trafficking.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in collaboration with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, stated that the decision was based on a solid factual foundation established under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The groups identified in this designation include Tren de Aragua, Mara Salvatrucha, Cartel de Sinaloa, Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, Carteles Unidos, Cartel del Noreste, Cartel del Golfo, and La Nueva Familia Michoacana.
The FTO designation allows the State Department to impose criminal penalties on individuals involved with these organizations, while the SDGT designation, issued by the Treasury Department under Executive Order 13224, focuses on the financial networks supporting these terrorist entities, enabling sanctions and asset seizures.
This announcement coincides with reports that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is deploying MQ-9 Reaper drones over Mexico to enhance surveillance efforts against drug cartels. These unarmed drones are currently being used for reconnaissance, but the CIA has the capability to arm them if necessary. This strategy reflects the Trump administration’s broader initiative to tackle the escalating threat posed by narco-trafficking.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe emphasized that addressing the challenges posed by drug cartels is a top priority for the agency. The designation of these cartels as terrorist organizations could pave the way for more aggressive military actions, including potential strikes against cartel leaders and their operational facilities.
Mexican officials have responded to the drone flights, asserting that they do not infringe upon national airspace. Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla stated that the Mexican government is aware of the U.S. operations, while President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed support for the intelligence-sharing aspect of the initiative, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico in combating drug trafficking.
The Trump administration’s focus on drug cartels is part of a broader agenda that includes trade disputes and countering the influence of communist China. In a previous statement, President Trump hinted at the possibility of deploying U.S. special forces into Mexico to confront the cartels directly, indicating the administration’s willingness to consider all options in this ongoing battle against organized crime.