Washington, February 15. United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order classifying six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
The measure includes the Sinaloa Cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the Familia Michoacana, the Gulf Cartel, the Northeast Cartel, and the United Cartels.
More sanctions and aerial surveillance
With this designation, the U.S. government will be able to impose more severe economic sanctions, freeze assets in the U.S., and prohibit transactions with entities linked to these groups.
Additionally, the measure facilitates the use of military tools against the cartels and strengthens international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.
General Gregory Guillot, commander of the United States Northern Command, acknowledged that reconnaissance flights have increased to gather information on these criminal organizations.
"We are using aerial surveillance to collect data on these groups and find ways to counter their actions," Guillot noted.
During a Senate hearing, Senator Roger Wicker asked what additional resources the Northern Command would need to address the drug trafficking crisis. Guillot replied:
"First, more ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance). Then, extended authorities to advise and assist in joint operations with Mexican forces."
Implications of the designation
The new classification tightens financial restrictions on the cartels, freezing their assets and prohibiting transactions with U.S. companies and banks.
It also allows U.S. security agencies to deploy more aggressive actions against these groups, including special operations in cooperation with allied governments.
Reactions in Mexico
The decision has raised concerns in the Mexican government, which fears that this measure could lead to unilateral interventions by the United States on national territory.
Mexican officials have expressed their concern about the diplomatic implications and the effects on the bilateral relationship.
Background and context
This action is part of a series of measures promoted by the Trump administration to combat drug trafficking and associated violence.
In addition to the Mexican cartels, the designation includes other criminal groups from Latin America, such as the Mara Salvatrucha from El Salvador, the Tren de Aragua from Venezuela, and the Clan del Golfo from Colombia.
