U.S. designates 2 more Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations
Summary
The U.S. government has officially labeled two more Mexican drug cartels, the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation allows the U.S. to take stronger actions against these groups and anyone helping them.Key Facts
- The Juárez Cartel operates near the Texas border, controlling the Ciudad Juárez crossing opposite El Paso.
- Los Viagras is a cartel based in the western Mexican state of Michoacán.
- Both groups were added to a list that already included six other Mexican cartels designated as terrorist organizations.
- The U.S. began labeling Latin American cartels as terrorist groups in February 2025 under President Donald Trump.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said these groups threaten U.S. national security, foreign policy, or economy.
- The Juárez Cartel has a history of violent acts, including the 2019 killing of nine U.S. citizens.
- Los Viagras emerged after local farmers ousted previous cartels in Michoacán and now control key exports, like avocados, often through extortion.
- Nicolás Sierra Santana, leader of Los Viagras, faces drug trafficking charges in the U.S., with a $5 million reward offered for his capture.
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