U.S. Designates Latin American Cartels as Terrorist Organizations Amid Sanctions

• •The U.S. designated eight Latin American cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
• •Sanctions were imposed on individuals and casinos linked to the Cartel del Noreste.
• •The crackdown aims to disrupt drug trafficking and human smuggling operations.

On April 15, 2026, the U.S. government formally designated eight Latin American organized crime groups, including the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation aims to increase pressure on these groups, which are involved in drug trafficking and violence. The U.S. Treasury Department also sanctioned three individuals and two casinos linked to the Cartel del Noreste, a group characterized by violent practices and extortion. The sanctions block assets in the U.S. and prohibit business dealings with the designated individuals and entities. The Cartel del Noreste operates primarily from Nuevo Laredo, a key location for drug and human smuggling. The U.S. is intensifying its crackdown on these organizations, which have a significant impact on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. The measures reflect a broader strategy to combat organized crime and its influence in the region.