The United States government, led by President Donald Trump, officially designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The decision is based on a leaked document circulating on social media that is expected to be officially published in the Federal Register tomorrow, February 20, 2025. According to the report, these organizations were considered to meet the criteria established in the law to be classified as terrorists.
Once the measure takes effect, there will be financial sanctions and legal restrictions for any individual or entity that collaborates with these organized crime groups. This measure reaffirms Trump's stance on drug trafficking and border security amid a debate on the role of the U.S.
The list of sanctioned groups includes the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), United Cartels, Northeast Cartel, Gulf Cartel, The New Michoacan Family, Tren de Aragua (Venezuelan criminal gang), and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
According to the State Department document, this designation was made after an administrative review and in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
