U.S. Designates Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras as Terrorist Organizations

Why it matters locally: The designation of the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists has significant implications for California, a state with extensive borders and trade relationships with Mexico. This action could strengthen efforts by federal and local law enforcement in California to combat drug trafficking and associated violence that can spill over state lines, and it may also impact cross-border commerce and security protocols.

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WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Department of State announced July 16, 2026, the designation of the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the designations target groups described as violent "narco-terrorist cartels." He indicated these organizations have conducted attacks against Americans, Mexican security forces, and civilians. The State Department cited the 2019 Sonora massacre as an example of the violence attributed to these groups. In that incident, hitmen from La Línea, a dominant faction of the Juárez Cartel, killed nine U.S. citizens, including six children and three adults. Today's actions prevent access to the U.S. financial system for both the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras. U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with these designated entities. All property and interests belonging to these groups, if located in the United States or under the control of a U.S. person, are now blocked. The designations also aim to support law enforcement efforts by other U.S. agencies and foreign governments. The State Department implemented these measures under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. The Foreign Terrorist Organization designations will become official upon publication in the Federal Register.