US Slaps Terror Label on Gangs Los Choneros and Lobos
Published Date: 9/5/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. government has officially labeled Los Choneros and Los Lobos as Foreign Terrorist Organizations starting September 5, 2025. This means these groups face new legal restrictions, including freezing their assets and banning support. The move aims to cut off their money and power to keep everyone safer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Assets of designated groups frozen
As a result of these Foreign Terrorist Organization designations, the groups face legal restrictions that include freezing their assets. The Federal Register notice indicates asset freezes apply upon designation, which is effective September 5, 2025. If you or your organization holds funds tied to these groups, those funds may be subject to freezing under the designation.
Los Choneros and Los Lobos designated FTOs
The U.S. Department of State designated Los Choneros (also known as The Choneros, Aguilas, Fatales) and Los Lobos (also known as The Lobos, Los Lobos Drug Trafficking Organization) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The designations were published September 5, 2025 and go into effect upon that publication. The determination was made under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Support for these groups is banned
The notice states that the designation includes banning support for Los Choneros and Los Lobos. The ban on support takes effect upon publication on September 5, 2025. Individuals or businesses providing material support to these organizations will be subject to the legal restrictions described in the designation.
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