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

Why it matters locally: While not directly targeting Tennessee, this federal designation could impact the flow of illegal narcotics into the state and potentially strengthen existing efforts by the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department and Shelby County Sheriff's Office to combat drug trafficking.

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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.