Cartel Terrorist Designation (E.O. 14157)

Summary

Sets up a way to officially name international cartels and other groups as terrorist organizations to fight the threats they pose to the U.S.

What problem does this solve?

International cartels and gangs bring deadly drugs and violence into the U.S., controlling the southern border and acting like governments in some areas. This order allows the government to label these groups as terrorists, giving it more power to stop their dangerous activities.

What does this order do?

Declares a national emergency

Declares that the threats from cartels and other transnational groups are an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

Creates a process to designate groups as terrorists

Requires the Secretary of State to recommend which cartels or other organizations should be officially labeled as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

Prepares for removal of foreign enemies

Orders the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to get ready to use the Alien Enemies Act to quickly remove people who may be designated under this order.

Identifies specific threatening organizations

Names groups like Tren de Aragua (TdA) and La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) as posing threats similar to those from cartels.

Sets a policy of total elimination

States that the goal of the United States is to completely remove the presence of these organizations in the country and end their ability to threaten the U.S.

Who does this affect?

Members of designated cartels and transnational criminal organizations
U.S. federal agencies
Immigrants and foreign nationals

What is the real world impact?

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Increases immigration enforcement powers

Prepares for the use of the Alien Enemies Act, which could make it easier to remove non-citizens associated with these designated groups from the United States.

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Escalates the fight against cartels

Treating cartels as terrorist groups instead of just criminal organizations could open the door to using military force against them, which is a major change in U.S. policy.

When does this start?

This order sets specific deadlines for federal agencies to take action.

Recommendation for terrorist designation

By February 3, 2025, the Secretary of State must recommend which groups to designate as terrorist organizations.

Preparation for alien removals

By February 3, 2025, the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security must prepare for the removal of individuals designated under this order.