The U.S. State Department designated Barrio 18, a major Northern Hemisphere gang, as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation, detailed in a release, follows the Trump administration’s intensified efforts to dismantle cartels and gangs. The move underscores a commitment to national security and public safety, aligning Barrio 18 with over a dozen other groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations since the start of President Trump’s second term, including eight drug cartels named in a February executive order, such as the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels.
This designation places Barrio 18 on a list alongside groups like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, expanding the traditional application of the label beyond politically motivated groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda to include criminal organizations. Barrio 18 also received the “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” designation. This classification has been used to justify lethal strikes on boats suspected of carrying drugs, including at least two off the coast of Venezuela. This approach has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who, as seen in their statements, question the administration’s legal basis for military action.
The State Department reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and disrupting the financial resources of criminal organizations, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to protect the nation from the threat posed by these groups. The actions taken, including the designation of Barrio 18 and the subsequent military operations, reflect a broader strategy to tackle transnational crime and protect U.S. interests. Further information on designated foreign terrorist organizations can be found at this link.
