U.S. will classify Mexican cartels as terrorists

Washington.- This Thursday, the New York Times revealed a decisive decision by Donald Trump's administration: the imminent classification of the main Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations.

Among the groups identified are the Sinaloa Cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), and others from El Salvador, Venezuela, and Colombia. This measure marks a radical shift in U.S. foreign policy and represents a strong warning about the Mexican government's security strategy.

Trump's aggressive foreign policy

The decision stems from a decree signed on January 20, 2025. With this action, Trump seeks to emphasize that these groups represent a "greater national security threat than traditional organized crime".

The classification not only redefines how the U.S. tackles drug trafficking but also reinforces its pressure stance on Mexico. According to analysts, this could lead to new economic sanctions or even covert military actions.

Lack of action in Mexico

Meanwhile, as the U.S. toughens its policy, in Mexico the government continues to fail to take effective measures to curb the advance of drug trafficking. The violence and power of the cartels have increased, highlighting the ineffectiveness of the security strategies applied so far.

The Mexican government's passivity has been criticized by various sectors, which point out that the current policies have not managed to contain the growth of organized crime.

Repercussions of the classification

This designation is not just symbolic. Classifying the cartels as terrorist groups allows the U.S. to implement more aggressive legal and military strategies to combat them.

Some possible consequences include:

• Increased surveillance and financial intervention on individuals and companies linked to these cartels.
• Possible use of covert military operations in foreign territory.
• Greater international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.

However, it also poses challenges in terms of human rights and national sovereignty, which could generate diplomatic tensions.

Challenges and criticisms

Although the measure has been supported by many sectors in the U.S., it has also caused criticism. Some experts warn about the ethical and legal implications of labeling the cartels as terrorists.

Additionally, the speed with which Trump has implemented this measure—with only a two-week timeframe—suggests that more than a long-term strategy, it could be an impulsive political action.