The United States government has recognized the increasing threat posed by international cartels and transnational organizations. These groups, such as the “Aragua Train,” aim to destabilize the country and have already established a presence in numerous large North American cities.
Designation of Foreign Terrorist Organizations
To combat these threats, an executive order has been issued to establish a process for designating specific cartels and organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This designation is crucial in targeting and dismantling these organizations.
National Emergency Declaration
The executive order declares a national emergency due to the “extraordinary threat” posed by these groups. Cartels and transnational organizations, including the Tren de Aragua (TdA) and the MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha), engage in violent campaigns, terrorize communities, and destabilize regions throughout the Western Hemisphere. They employ tactics characteristic of insurgencies, infiltrate governments, and function as quasi-state entities in certain areas.
Goals and Priorities
The primary goal of the executive order is to eliminate the presence of these organizations in the United States and neutralize their extraterritorial command and control capabilities. The administration emphasizes that these groups pose a direct threat to the safety of the American people, the security of the country’s borders, and the stability of neighboring regions. Key priorities include:
- Targeting cartels and other organizations for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
- Developing operational strategies for the swift removal of individuals linked to these entities.
- Addressing the ability of these organizations to function both within and outside the borders of the United States.
Implementation and Next Steps
The implementation of this executive order will involve a multi-faceted approach, including coordination with law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and international partners. The aim is to disrupt and dismantle the operational capabilities of these transnational threats, ensuring the security and stability of the United States and its interests abroad.