Houston, TX, September 10, 2026 — The Trump administration has officially designated 21 criminal organizations originating from Latin America and the Caribbean as “foreign terrorist organizations.” This significant expansion broadens the scope of a designation previously reserved for groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. The stated objective behind this action is to exert increased pressure on these designated entities and their networks of support.

This designation places these criminal groups on a formal U.S. government list that carries specific legal and financial implications. The move indicates a shift in how U.S. policy views transnational criminal enterprises, categorizing them alongside internationally recognized terrorist entities.

Among the countries represented in this expanded list, Mexico has the highest number of designated groups, with eight organizations from the nation now classified as foreign terrorist organizations. The specific names of the 21 criminal groups designated were not immediately provided in the summary information.

The administration’s rationale for this action is to enhance tools available to counter these organizations. The designation is intended to disrupt their operations and financial networks by increasing scrutiny and potential sanctions against individuals or entities associated with them.

Further details regarding the specific criteria met for each group’s designation or the immediate actions planned by U.S. authorities following this announcement were not included in the provided trend summary. The impact of this expanded list on international cooperation and law enforcement efforts in the affected regions is yet to be fully detailed.


Story summarized from the original created by María Verza, Associated Press on www.click2houston.com, see more information here.

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