US designates 2 new Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations

The United States government has officially designated two additional Mexican criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations. The Juarez Cartel, which operates along the Texas border, and Los Viagras, a group based in Michoacan, are the latest entities to face this federal classification. This move places them among eight total Mexican groups currently listed as terrorist organizations by the United States.

President Donald Trump began the practice of applying this label to Latin American cartels in early 2025. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that these designations are based on the risk these groups pose to United States national security, foreign policy, and the safety of American citizens. The classification provides federal authorities with broader legal power to take action against the groups and any parties found providing them assistance.

The Juarez Cartel is historically one of the most prominent drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. It maintains control over a vital border crossing point in Ciudad Juarez. The cartel faces accusations regarding its involvement in the 2019 killing of nine United States citizens. Despite previous leadership arrests, the group retains significant smuggling infrastructure.

Los Viagras operates within Michoacan and is led by Nicolas Sierra Santana. The United States government has issued a five million dollar bounty for information leading to his capture. The group has shifted alliances to maintain control over regional territory, including the extortion of local agricultural exports and the production of synthetic drugs. These new designations mark an escalation in pressure from Washington on the Mexican government.