US designates 8 drug cartels in Latin America as terrorist organizations

President Trump's administration is officially labeling eight organized crime organizations in Latin America as 'foreign terrorist organizations,' increasing American pressure on cartels operating in the United States and those who aid them.

The action, based on President Donald Trump's executive order on January 20, which also designates the criminal organizations Tren de Agua in Venezuela and MS-13 in El Salvador, among others, will be officially published on Thursday in the Federal Register.

Securing the border between the United States and Mexico is among the Republican president's top priorities. President Trump has pledged to carry out mass deportations of illegal immigrants, send military troops to the border, and reach agreements with several countries to accept more immigrants.

Designating criminal networks, such as drug cartels in Latin America, that are driven by financial gain as terrorist organizations is unusual, as this label is usually used for groups like al-Qaeda or the Islamic State, which use violence for political purposes.

President Trump's administration argues that the international connections and operations of these groups, including drug and immigrant trafficking and the use of violence to expand their territories, are decisive in making the decision.

Critics say this is an unnecessary and harsh move that could damage relations and paralyze trade with Latin America.

Businesses, banks, and buyers may fear possible criminal prosecution by the United States if they knowingly or unknowingly have any transactions that are connected to the drug cartel world.

These cartels have a wide reach into the Mexican economy, not only through drug and immigrant trafficking but also by fighting for control of the multi-billion dollar avocado trade.

Aid groups say that, in the past, the US designation of some groups as foreign terrorist organisations has generally threatened food imports to some countries. One example, aid groups say, is the fear of shipping companies that US prosecutors could charge them with direct or indirect support for terrorist groups.

Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, reacted last month to President Trump's executive order by saying that Mexico will defend its sovereignty and independence while seeking to coordinate with the United States.

"We all want to fight the drug cartels," said President Sheinbaum. The United States "on their turf, us on our turf." (A2 Televizion)