For the first time, the United States could soon officially designate Mexican drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This historic move represents a significant shift in the approach to combating the violence and chaos caused by these criminal groups. It raises critical questions about the implications for law enforcement, international cooperation, and the broader fight against organized crime and global terrorism. By labeling cartels as terrorist groups, Washington would be formally acknowledging the severity of their actions, which often transcend traditional organized crime and spill over into areas typically associated with terrorism.

President Donald Trump, in one of his first actions upon returning to office, signed an executive order last week directing the State Department to determine within 14 days whether to proceed with the designation. This decision reflects a growing recognition of the multifaceted threat posed by Mexican cartels, whose activities have destabilized governments, fueled violence, and undermined the rule of law across the Americas.

Mexican cartels have long plagued both their home country and the United States with their brutal tactics, corruption, and drug trafficking operations. These groups function as quasi-governments in many regions of Mexico, exercising control over entire communities through violence, intimidation, and corruption. In some areas, they provide jobs, security, and even social services, creating a dependency that entrenches their power. They assassinate politicians, bribe officials, and terrorize civilians, effectively operating as shadow states. This systemic influence mirrors the tactics employed by traditional terrorist organizations, making their potential designation as such both logical and overdue.

Treating cartels as national security threats rather than merely criminal enterprises would grant U.S. law enforcement agencies greater authority to act decisively against them. This includes freezing cartel assets, denying their members entry to the US, and imposing harsher penalties on those who aid or collaborate with them. Such measures are essential for dismantling........

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