US Designates Six Mexican Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

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The United States has officially classified six Mexican cartels, including the Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) in a significant move to combat drug trafficking and address the fentanyl crisis. This designation follows the Trump administration's commitment to “totally eliminate” these criminal groups, according to a statement from government sources.

Alongside the two major cartels, the list also includes Tren de Aragua and Mara Salvatrucha, criminal organizations with roots in Venezuela and El Salvador. Experts, like María Calderón from the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, warn that this classification may pave the way for potential military actions against the cartels in Mexico.

While the designation enhances the range of individuals who can be charged for providing support to these groups, the exact impact remains uncertain. Previous efforts already exist to restrict cartel members' activities, but this new classification may broaden the legal framework for targeting individuals related to the cartels.

In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the United States for focusing on Mexican organized crime while neglecting domestic issues, urging a reassessment of crime within the US borders.

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