U.S. Designates Two Mexican Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

Why it matters locally: While Connecticut does not have a shared border with Mexico, federal designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations could indirectly impact the state through enhanced federal law enforcement efforts targeting drug trafficking and related criminal activities that reach communities within Connecticut.

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WASHINGTON — U.S. authorities designated two more Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations in February 2025. This action broadens the government's capacity to take enforcement measures against these groups. It also expands the government's ability to act against individuals who provide assistance to them. This move extends previous designations of Latin American cartels under the terrorist label. The U.S. government implemented these measures to allow for more aggressive action against the organizations.