The U.S. government has designated two Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations: the Juárez Cartel, operating near the Texas border, and Los Viagras, based in Michoacán. The designation was published in the Federal Register on Thursday, adding them to a list that already includes the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The move allows U.S. authorities to take more aggressive action against these groups and their supporters.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that both cartels have either committed terrorist acts or pose a serious risk of doing so, threatening U.S. national security, foreign policy, or the economy. The Trump administration began extending the terrorist label to Latin American cartels in February 2025, a policy that has also targeted groups in Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, and El Salvador.
Background and Implications
The Juárez Cartel, one of Mexico's oldest drug trafficking organizations, has long controlled a key border crossing near El Paso, Texas. The designation follows recent U.S. military strikes in Latin American waters, which have killed over 200 people since September. The move also increases pressure on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, amid controversies over U.S. operations in Mexico and the indictment of officials tied to the Sinaloa Cartel.
Policy and Political Context
The designation is part of a broader U.S. strategy to combat cartel violence, which has escalated in recent years. Critics argue the move could strain U.S.-Mexico relations, while supporters say it is necessary to counter the cartels' growing influence. The Trump administration has framed the cartels as a direct threat to U.S. security, justifying expanded military and law enforcement actions.