# US designation of Latin American criminal groups as terror

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-designation-of-latin-american-criminal-groups-as-terror
> Updated: 2026-09-12T14:38:07.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

The United States has implemented a significant policy shift by designating various Latin American and Caribbean criminal networks as foreign terrorist organizations. This approach moves away from traditional designations reserved for ideological groups, instead targeting criminal entities involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and human trafficking.

Initially, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated the Ecuadorian group Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Identified as a logistical arm for Mexican cartels, the group has been linked to violence against civilians and media. To support Ecuador under the ‘Escudo de las Américas’ initiative, the U.S. pledged security resources, including USD 10 million to combat illegal mining and maritime assets for the Ecuadorian Navy.

This designation strategy expanded to include 21 groups across the region. Mexico is heavily impacted by this expansion, with eight organizations—including the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)—now classified as terrorist entities. The escalation follows ongoing regional violence, such as an armed attack on a police helicopter in Chihuahua, which authorities attributed to ‘terrorist groups of organized crime’.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: United States designates 21 Latin American criminal groups as terrorist organizations

The US has designated 21 Latin American criminal groups, including eight Mexican cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations, marking a major shift in regional narcotics and security policy.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-designates-21-latin-american-criminal-groups-as-terrorist-organizations

### 2026-09-10: Los Tiguerones designated as foreign terrorist organization by United States

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated the Ecuadorian gang Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organization, part of a broader regional strategy to combat transnational drug cartels.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-designates-los-tiguerones-as-terrorist-group

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Cite as: US designation of Latin American criminal groups as terror. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-designation-of-latin-american-criminal-groups-as-terror