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Trump’s Bold Move: Designating Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

On his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump wasted no time in issuing a series of executive orders, including one aimed at designating cartels and similar groups as “foreign terrorist organizations.” Signed on January 20, this measure seeks to address what the administration describes as a grave threat to national security.

“International cartels have waged a campaign of violence and terror across the Western Hemisphere, flooding the United States with deadly drugs, violent criminals, and ruthless gangs,” the presidential decree states.

In 2023 alone, fentanyl overdoses accounted for over 72,000 deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mexican cartels are identified as playing a central role in transporting this synthetic opioid into the U.S., underscoring the rationale behind the administration’s decision.

A Long-Standing Debate Resurfaces

The idea of labeling cartels as terrorist organizations is not new. “This isn’t a Trump invention; it’s a debate that has been ongoing for over 15 years, particularly whenever cartels target American citizens,” explains Maria Calderon, a researcher at the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute.

The Trump administration first broached this measure in 2019 but pulled back after objections from Mexico. Now, with renewed focus, Trump has directed his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to deliver a formal recommendation within two weeks, in consultation with key figures like the Attorney General and the Treasury Secretary.

Legal Implications of the Designation

Critics argue that the designation may be largely symbolic, as existing tools like the Kingpin Act already allow the U.S. to target cartels financially. However, Calderon highlights that labeling cartels as terrorist entities would introduce new legal consequences, particularly under the U.S. prohibition of “material support” to such organizations.

This clause, she notes, could extend to financial institutions operating in Mexico with inadequate money-laundering safeguards. It could also enable American authorities to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction, potentially targeting businesses or individuals abroad who assist the cartels. Migrants paying cartels for safe passage might also face scrutiny under this measure, although some argue it could bolster asylum claims for those persecuted by such groups.

The designation’s reach could also ensnare Americans indirectly linked to cartel activities. According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, approximately 80% of those convicted for drug trafficking in the U.S. are American citizens.

Could Military Action Follow?

President Trump has not ruled out the possibility of using force against cartels. “Stranger things have happened,” he remarked when asked about a potential U.S. special forces operation in Mexico.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum swiftly responded, asserting Mexico’s sovereignty and independence. Speculation about targeted strikes on fentanyl production facilities or increased U.S. intelligence operations in Mexico has raised concerns about escalating tensions between the two nations.

“It’s unrealistic to believe the cartels would not retaliate,” Calderon warns, pointing to their significant firepower. Such retaliation could lead to increased violence against law enforcement, rival groups, or civilians.

A Complex Problem with No Easy Solutions

Carlos Pérez-Ricart, a researcher interviewed by El País, emphasizes that the U.S. demand for drugs underpins the problem. “Without addressing demand, efforts to target cartels in Mexico will ultimately fail,” he asserts.

Still, he acknowledges that a “targeted and intelligent disruption” of cartel operations and their networks could yield positive outcomes. As the debate unfolds, the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations could reshape U.S. policy on drug trafficking and redefine its relationship with Mexico.

Whether this move will curb the influence of cartels or exacerbate existing tensions remains to be seen, but its implications will undoubtedly reverberate across the Western Hemisphere.

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