MS-13 and Cartels Designated Terrorists – Assets Frozen, Operations Blocked
Published Date: 2/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. government just labeled eight major criminal groups—including MS-13 and several powerful Mexican cartels—as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This means these groups face tougher legal actions, including freezing their assets and blocking their activities in the U.S. The new rules take effect immediately, making it harder for these gangs to operate and move money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Authorities to Freeze and Block Activities
The action subjects the named organizations to tougher legal measures, including freezing their assets and blocking their activities in the United States, as described in the notice. Those measures take effect immediately upon publication (February 20, 2025).
Eight Groups Designated as FTOs
The Department of State designated Tren de Aragua, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Cartel de Sinaloa, Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, Carteles Unidos, Cartel del Noreste, Cartel del Golfo, and La Nueva Familia Michoacana as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The designations were published in the Federal Register and go into effect upon publication (February 20, 2025).
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02870, Specially Designated Global Terrorist Designations of Tren de Aragua, Mara Salvatrucha, Cartel de Sinaloa, Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, Carteles Unidos, Cartel del Noreste, Cartel del Golfo, and La Nueva Familia Michoacana
The U.S. government has officially labeled several dangerous criminal groups—including Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and major Mexican cartels—as global terrorists. This means their assets can be frozen, and Americans are banned from doing business with them to protect national security. These actions take effect immediately, aiming to cut off their money and stop their harmful activities.
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