Cartels and Gangs Now Officially Branded Foreign Terrorist Threats
Published Date: 1/29/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The President just declared that certain international cartels and violent groups like MS-13 are officially foreign terrorists. This means the U.S. will block their money and stop business with them to protect Americans and national security. These changes kick in right away and aim to cut off the cartels’ power and violence across the Western Hemisphere.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Preparations for Expedited Removals
The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security must make operational preparations, in consultation with the Secretary of State, within 14 days of January 20, 2025, to implement the Alien Enemies Act if the President decides to invoke it. They must also prepare facilities as necessary to expedite the removal of people who may be designated under this order.
Asset Blocks and Transaction Bans
The President ordered certain international cartels and transnational groups (including Tren de Aragua and La Mara Salvatrucha / MS-13) be designated consistent with the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Executive Order 13224 ("Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions"). That designation allows the U.S. to block property and prohibit transactions with those designated groups; the Secretary of State must make recommendations about such designations within 14 days of January 20, 2025.
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