President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order aimed at combating international cartels and transnational organizations that pose significant threats to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic stability on January 20, 2025. The executive order establishes a process for designating specific cartels and organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The executive order declares a national emergency to address what the administration identifies as an “extraordinary threat” posed by these groups. According to the order, cartels and transnational organizations such as Tren de Aragua (TdA) and MS-13 engage in campaigns of violence, terror, and destabilization across the Western Hemisphere. They are described as employing tactics characteristic of insurgencies, infiltrating governments, and functioning as quasi-state entities in certain regions.
Declared Objectives
The stated purpose of the executive order is to eliminate these organizations’ presence in the United States and neutralize their extraterritorial command-and-control capabilities. The administration asserts that these groups pose a direct threat to the safety of the American people, the security of the nation’s borders, and the stability of neighboring regions.
The order identifies several priorities, including:
- Targeting cartels and other organizations for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
- Preparing operational strategies for the expedited removal of individuals connected to these entities.
- Addressing their ability to function both within and outside U.S. borders.
Implementation Steps
The order requires a series of immediate actions, including:
- Designation Review: The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, must submit recommendations for the designation of specific cartels and organizations as FTOs or SDGTs within 14 days.
- Operational Preparations: The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, are tasked with preparing facilities and operational protocols to support the expedited removal of individuals designated under the executive order.
- Consultation and Coordination: Federal agencies are instructed to take all necessary and lawful actions to implement the policy objectives, consistent with existing statutes and executive orders.
Justifications for Action
The executive order cites the increasing convergence between international cartels and antagonistic foreign actors, including foreign terrorist organizations and hostile governments. The administration identifies the cartels’ role in smuggling drugs, violent criminals, and gangs across U.S. borders as a primary driver of this action.
The order also emphasizes the broader implications for national security and foreign policy, pointing to the cartels’ influence in destabilizing countries critical to U.S. strategic interests. It highlights the humanitarian impact on local populations in regions where cartels operate as de facto governing entities.
Broader Implications
The executive order is expected to have significant implications for federal law enforcement, homeland security, and foreign relations. By designating cartels and transnational organizations as terrorist entities, the administration seeks to expand the toolkit available for disrupting their operations, including freezing assets, imposing travel bans, and enabling more robust legal actions.
The order also signals an escalation in U.S. efforts to address cross-border criminal activity and mitigate the impact of cartel-driven violence. This move aligns with ongoing federal initiatives to strengthen border security and combat international drug trafficking and human smuggling.
While the order does not specify which cartels or organizations will be designated, it outlines an expedited timeline for reviewing and implementing recommendations. It is anticipated that designations under the executive order could carry significant geopolitical and operational consequences.