Designating Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Executive Order 2025

A presidential Executive Order from January 2025 outlines a new national security policy. The order aims to designate international cartels and transnational organisations like Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists. This designation reflects the perception that these groups pose an extraordinary threat to US national security, foreign policy, and the economy, exceeding that of traditional organised crime. 

The order establishes a process for relevant Secretaries to make recommendations regarding these designations. It also directs preparations for implementing the Alien Enemies Act should qualifying incursions against US territory occur. Ultimately, the policy seeks to eliminate these organisations' presence in the US and their ability to threaten its security.

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