In the hours following his inauguration, President Donald Trump made a controversial declaration: he would label Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups. This move is part of what he calls his “revolution of common sense,” alongside efforts to tighten U.S. border security. However, this decision has raised many eyebrows, both in the United States and Mexico. The idea of labeling cartels as terrorists has been discussed by U.S. presidents before, but Trump’s bold action could change the way both countries deal with these criminal organizations.
What’s Behind Labeling Cartels as Terrorists?
The idea of labeling drug cartels as terrorist groups isn’t entirely new. A law passed in 1996 allows the U.S. State Department to create a list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). Being placed on this list means a group faces special sanctions, which can include financial and military restrictions. Famous groups on this list include al-Qaeda and ISIS. Some U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama, considered putting Mexican cartels on this list because they often use violent tactics similar to those of terrorist groups. These tactics include car bombings and gruesome killings.
In recent years, the idea has gained more support, especially as the death toll from drugs like fentanyl has soared in the U.S. In 2023, a group of Republican attorneys general even called on President Joe Biden to add Mexican cartels to the list. Trump’s new order takes things a step further, directing the U.S. government to consider cartels from Mexico, El Salvador, and Venezuela for the terrorist designation.
What Does This Mean for the U.S. and Mexican Governments?
The U.S. government already has laws to fight cartels, such as the Kingpin Act, which blocks drug traffickers and their associates from doing business with Americans. But Trump’s terrorist designation would give the U.S. government more power to go after people who help these cartels, even those who aren’t directly involved in drug trafficking.
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For example, U.S. companies or individuals who provide services or financial support to these cartels could face legal consequences. In addition, the designation would allow the U.S. to gather military intelligence about these groups, possibly using special operations forces to target them more directly. This opens the door for more aggressive actions, which could involve U.S. military forces.
However, labeling cartels as terrorist organizations is not just a legal issue for the United States. It has serious consequences for Mexico, too. The Mexican government has long opposed the idea of labeling its drug cartels as terrorist groups, and for good reason.
Mexico’s Concerns About the Terrorist Label
Mexico has a lot to lose if its drug cartels are officially called terrorist groups. For one thing, Mexico is a major tourist destination, with millions of visitors coming each year. If cartels were labeled as terrorists, it could affect everything from insurance costs to international investments. The country also fears that the terrorist label could harm its image, making it seem like the government doesn’t have control over large parts of its territory.
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Fears of Unilateral U.S. Military Action
There’s also a deeper concern. Countries that are home to terrorist organizations, like Afghanistan or Colombia, often have large areas where the government has little control. Mexico doesn’t want to be seen in the same light, as it works hard to show that it is a sovereign nation with control over its land. Mexican authorities are afraid that labeling cartels as terrorists might encourage the U.S. to take military action inside Mexico’s borders, which could damage the relationship between the two countries.
President Trump’s comments hint at the possibility of military action. He even mentioned that U.S. Special Forces could be sent to take out cartel leaders if necessary. This idea isn’t new—Trump had discussed missile strikes against drug labs in Mexico back in 2020—but it’s a deeply contentious issue for Mexico, which strongly defends its sovereignty.
Mexico’s Stance on Cooperation and Sovereignty
While Mexico is willing to cooperate with the U.S. on drug enforcement, the idea of military raids by foreign forces is unacceptable. Mexican officials stress that the country must address drug trafficking in its own way, in line with its laws and Constitution. They believe that relying on military solutions, rather than working on policies to reduce demand for drugs and cutting off the cartels’ money supply, is a flawed approach.
In the end, while the U.S. government may gain more tools to combat cartels, the terrorist label raises complicated questions about sovereignty, international relations, and how to truly address the problem of drug trafficking. The situation remains tense as both countries figure out the best way to handle the power and influence of these dangerous criminal organizations.
