The United States government has expanded its list of foreign terrorist organizations by adding two Mexican cartels. These are the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras. The Federal Register, an official U.S. publication, confirmed this move recently.
Details of the Designation
The Juárez Cartel operates near the Texas border. Los Viagras is active in Michoacán, a state in western Mexico. This decision brings the total of Mexican criminal groups labeled as terrorist organizations by the U.S. to eight. This list includes well-known cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Other Latin American criminal organizations from Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, and El Salvador have also received this designation. The aim is to empower U.S. authorities to take stronger measures against these groups or those assisting them.
Impact of the Designation
Since last September, U.S. military actions have targeted suspected drug trafficking vessels in Latin American waters. Reports indicate over 200 fatalities from these operations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the groups pose significant threats to the U.S. These threats extend to national security, foreign policy, and economic stability.
This decision increases diplomatic and operational pressure on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government. The U.S. actions follow the indictment of several Sinaloa officials for cartel involvement.
The Juárez Cartel’s Influence
The Juárez Cartel has operated for decades, controlling vital drug trafficking routes between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, Texas. Amado Carrillo Fuentes, known as “El Señor de los Cielos,” founded the cartel. He and his successors built a multimillion-dollar drug smuggling enterprise.
The group faced accusations for the 2019 attack on nine American women and children near Bavispe, Sonora. Families of the victims have taken legal action against the cartel. Analyst David Saucedo noted that this designation allows the U.S. to address security challenges along the Texas border more effectively.
Los Viagras and Criminal Activity in Michoacán
Los Viagras emerged in the power vacuum left by earlier criminal removals from Michoacán. Its leader, Nicolás Sierra Santana, or “El Gordo,” faces charges for drug trafficking conspiracy. A $5 million reward exists for information leading to his arrest.
The group has controlled regions through extortion and drug trafficking. It has engaged in producing synthetic drugs for other cartels. Los Viagras also drew attention for constructing illegal “narco-antennas” in 2024, forcing locals to pay for internet access.
The U.S. labeling of Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations signifies a strategy to intensify measures against them and boost security efforts. This includes addressing cross-border threats and dealing with Mexico’s complex criminal landscape.
Leave a Reply