US and Canada Designate Drug Cartels as Terrorists

Terrorism and Drug Cartels: A North American Perspective

In a significant policy shift, the United States has officially designated certain international drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). This move, formalized through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, aims to enhance the U.S. government’s ability to combat the activities of these cartels.

Key Aspects of the U.S. Designation:

• Executive Order Details: The executive order establishes a process for designating international cartels and other organizations as FTOs or SDGTs, thereby expanding the legal framework to address their activities.
• Legislative Support: The Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act (S.698) was introduced in the U.S. Senate in March 2023, mandating the designation of specific Mexican drug cartels as FTOs.

As of now, there is no official confirmation that Canada has taken similar steps to designate drug cartels as terrorist organizations. However, recent developments indicate that Canada is intensifying its efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. In a recent agreement with the United States, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to strengthen border security measures, including the appointment of a “Fentanyl Czar” and the formation of a joint task force with the U.S. to address organized crime and fentanyl smuggling.