Honduras adopts sweeping anti‑gang laws, labeling MS‑13 and 18 as terrorist groups

Honduras' National Congress unanimously approved a comprehensive package of criminal‑code reforms aimed at strengthening penalties against extortion, organized crime and the country's notorious gangs. The reforms raise sentences for extortion to 15‑20 years, add life imprisonment if a victim dies, and eliminate abbreviated procedures. They also reclassify the Mara Salvatrucha (MS‑13) and Barrio 18 as terrorist organizations, prescribing 10‑15 years for gang members and 15‑20 years for leaders and financiers.

The legislation creates a new National Agency against Crime to coordinate intelligence and investigations, expands the role of the armed forces in public‑security duties, and imposes stricter obligations on telecom and internet providers for user identification. ASJ security and justice director Nelson Castañeda said the terrorist designation “will allow authorities to process the entire criminal structure without having to go case by case,” though he warned that without adequate funding the judicial system could collapse.

Overall, the reforms seek to deter gang‑related extortion and violence, improve investigative capacity, and align Honduras with regional anti‑terrorism standards.