Trump Administration Classifies Gangs and Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

Trump Administration Classifies Gangs and Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

The Trump administration has officially classified several notorious gangs and drug cartels, including Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and the Sinaloa Cartel, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s approach to combat organized crime.

Secretary of State’s Announcement

In a public notice that will appear in the Federal Register, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that there is a “sufficient factual basis” to designate these groups under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The announcement is poised to enhance law enforcement’s ability to address the threats posed by these organizations.

Identifying the Groups

The designated groups include:

• Tren de Aragua
• Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
• Sinaloa Cartel
• New Generation Cartel of Jalisco
• United Cartels
• Northeast Cartel
• Gulf Cartel
• La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM)

Many of these organizations operate under various aliases, which complicates law enforcement efforts. This classification will clarify legal parameters for tackling them comprehensively.

A Swift Policy Recommendation

Following the order signed by Donald Trump on his first day in office, Rubio received a 14-day deadline to develop policy suggestions regarding the designation of criminal enterprises as terrorist organizations. This directive involves consultations with high-level officials, including the Secretaries of Treasury and Homeland Security, as well as the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence.

Expanded Governmental Authority

The foreign terrorist organization designation significantly broadens the U.S. government’s capacity to combat these criminal groups. It permits various agencies, including the Department of the Treasury and law enforcement, to enact a multifaceted strategy against them. Consequently, the government can scrutinize financial aspects and operational structures more effectively.

Statement on National Security Threats

The executive order emphasizes that these gangs represent an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to national security, foreign policy, and the U.S. economy. The measure invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, declaring a national emergency to address these threats adequately.

Firm Policy Objective

The order outlines a clear intent: the complete eradication of these organizations’ presence within the United States. It aims to neutralize their capacity to endanger American citizens and undermine the country’s territorial integrity.

Expert Perspectives on the Designation

Joseph Humire, executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society, has noted that the designation of these groups as foreign terrorist organizations elevates their status to a top national security priority. In a report on dismantling Tren de Aragua, Humire explained that this designation facilitates the targeting of not only the groups themselves but also their financial backers and enabling structures.

Humire remarked, “Trump just put all of them on notice. This said: ‘We know you’re here; we know you’re up to no good, and we’re going to come after you.'” Such strong rhetoric underscores the administration’s firm stance against these organizations.

A Shift in Policy Environment

This move towards labeling criminal groups as foreign terrorist organizations indicates a significant shift in U.S. policy concerning organized crime. By employing counter-terrorism strategies against gangs, the Trump administration aims to dismantle sophisticated networks that threaten American communities.

In a world increasingly imperiled by transnational crime, this comprehensive approach underscores the necessity for robust action against entities that undermine security. By streamlining efforts between various governmental departments, the U.S. hopes to create a unified front against such pervasive threats.

Peter Pinedo from Fox News Digital contributed to this report.