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

Why it matters locally: Louisiana, particularly its port cities and border-adjacent areas, may experience increased federal law enforcement activity and resource allocation aimed at disrupting cartel operations and drug trafficking routes that historically intersect with the state.

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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.