Directed the State Department to designate major cartels and gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). Eight groups — including Sinaloa, CJNG, MS-13 and Tren de Aragua — were designated, unlocking terrorism authorities and helping justify later military strikes.
Executive order signed Inauguration Day; designations took effect February 20, 2025.
Mixed impactsubstantiated
Unlocked terrorism sanctions and 'material support' prosecutions, and pressured Mexico.
Banks must block assets; aiding designees risks severe penalties. Mexico transferred 29 cartel figures to U.S. custody after the designations.
Negative impactsubstantiated
Helped justify lethal military strikes raising sovereignty and war-powers concerns.
The designations underpinned the Caribbean boat strikes and threats of ground operations in Mexico; legal scholars warned strikes on Mexican soil without consent would violate international law and bypass Congress.
Negative impactcontested
Created immigration traps for trafficking and extortion victims.
'Material support' bars can render asylum seekers who were coerced by cartels inadmissible, even as victims.