Brazil Rejects US Terrorist Designation for Major Drug Gangs

• •The U.S. designated Brazil's PCC and CV as foreign terrorist organizations effective June 5.
• •Brazilian President Lula condemned the designation as unacceptable foreign interference.
• •The PCC and CV are linked to significant violence and have over 50,000 members combined.

The U.S. State Department announced on May 29, 2026, that Brazil's two largest drug gangs, the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), will be designated as foreign terrorist organizations starting June 5. This designation, which aims to restrict their financial operations, has been met with strong opposition from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who views it as unacceptable interference in Brazil's sovereignty. Lula criticized the timing of the announcement, which followed a visit by his political rival, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, to Washington. The Brazilian government has warned that such unilateral actions could hinder cooperation in law enforcement and intelligence sharing. Lula emphasized that Brazil is capable of addressing its crime issues independently and accused Bolsonaro of treason for seeking foreign intervention. The PCC and CV are responsible for significant violence in Brazil, with a combined membership exceeding 50,000. The U.S. claims these groups pose a threat to American citizens and have extensive networks beyond Brazil.