The administration designated the Juarez Cartel and Los Viagras as foreign terrorist organizations to enable more aggressive action against Mexican criminal groups.
The administration announced the designation of the Juarez Cartel and Los Viagras as foreign terrorist organizations in the Federal Register. This move allows U.S. authorities to take more decisive action against these groups or any entities aiding them. The Juarez Cartel is one of Mexico’s oldest trafficking organizations, controlling a key border crossing near El Paso, Texas. Los Viagras is a regional group in Michoacán led by Nicolás Sierra Santana, who faces a formal indictment for conspiracy to traffic drugs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that both groups pose a serious risk to the security of U.S. nationals and the national economy. The designation follows a trend started by President Trump in February 2025 to label various Latin American cartels as terrorist entities. This measure increases pressure on the Mexican government as the U.S. seeks to streamline operations against the vast infrastructure of illegal shipments entering the country.