The U.S. State Department designated Los Tiguerones, an Ecuador-based gang, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on Wednesday, bringing the total number of such designations in Latin America and the Caribbean to 21.
The move was announced during a diplomatic tour by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who visited Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to discuss counter-narcotics efforts. Rubio stated in a statement that the designation aims to disrupt narcotrafficking networks and their revenue streams, emphasizing the administration’s focus on combating violent criminal organizations in the region.
According to the State Department, Los Tiguerones is linked to narcotrafficking, illicit activities, and attacks on civilians, law enforcement, and journalists, including the 2024 takeover of an Ecuadorian TV station. The group’s activities have been described as contributing to instability in Ecuador and broader regional security concerns.
The designation expands a strategy introduced in February 2025, which had previously reserved the "foreign terrorist organization" label for groups like ISIS and al-Qaida motivated by political violence. The Trump administration has since applied the designation to financially motivated criminal networks operating in Latin America and the Caribbean.
During his trip, Rubio also announced plans to seek $45 million in additional security funding for Ecuador to support efforts against illegal immigration and narcotrafficking. He described Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa as a “strong partner” in countering transnational criminal organizations, highlighting joint operations between U.S. and Ecuadorian forces.
The State Department noted that the funding would also support initiatives to combat illegal mining in Ecuador, which has been linked to the theft of national resources. Rubio’s tour included meetings with leaders in Colombia and Peru, where regional cooperation on security issues was discussed.
The expanded list of designated groups has been cited as a factor in previous U.S. actions, including the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and military operations targeting alleged narcoterrorist vessels, which resulted in over 200 deaths. Several Latin American countries, including Guatemala and Argentina, have since adopted similar measures against designated groups and associated entities.
The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for further clarification on the criteria used for the latest designation or the potential legal and operational implications for U.S. policy in the region.