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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04931, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services-Fee for Administrative Processing of Request for Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States
Good news for U.S. citizens and nationals who want to give up their citizenship! Starting April 13, 2026, the fee for processing a Certificate of Loss of Nationality drops from $2,350 to just $450. This big price cut makes it way easier and cheaper to handle this important paperwork at U.S. embassies and consulates.
2025-17851, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa Services Fee Changes
The Department of State is adding a $1 fee to enter the Diversity Visa lottery to share costs more fairly among all applicants. This means everyone who wants to try their luck at the visa lottery will pay a small fee upfront, instead of only winners paying later. The new fee will start when you register online, so get ready to pay a buck when you apply!
2025-14826, Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program
The Department of State is launching a 12-month pilot program where some travelers applying for B-1/B-2 visas from certain countries might need to pay a bond up to $15,000. This applies to visitors from places with high visa overstays or special citizenship rules. The goal? To make sure folks follow visa rules and keep travel safe and fair.
2026-16207, Implementation of the Administrative False Claims Act
This rule would establish updated, procedural regulations implementing the Administrative False Claims Act (AFCA) at the Department of State.
2026-16210, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Official Gift Records and Gift Donor Vetting Records, State- 80, consists of an accounting of all donations received on behalf of the Department of State for the purposes of: maintaining a historical record, properly allocating donations given for a particular purpose, determining future solicitation and gift acceptance, and providing donors with acknowledgment letters for tax purposes. Gift Donor Vetting Records keeps an accounting of the due diligence vetting process conducted on individuals to determine the potential for conflicts of interest with respect to gifts, potential gifts, and potential partnerships with the Department of State.
2026-15950, Certification Under Section 7045(b)(2)(A) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (SFOAA) (Div. F, P.L. 118-47), as carried forward by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025 (Div. A, P.L. 119-4)
The U.S. government officially confirms that El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras are making real progress fighting corruption, improving justice, protecting human rights, and working with the U.S. to tackle crime and migration. These countries are also boosting their economies and security while promoting fair business practices. This certification keeps important U.S. support flowing in 2024 and 2025 to help these nations keep moving forward.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-17065, Delegation of Authority to the State of West Virginia To Implement and Enforce Additional or Revised National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants Standards and New Source Performance Standards
The EPA officially gave West Virginia the green light to handle new and updated air pollution rules starting January 21, 2025. This means local businesses must follow these updated standards, and the state will enforce them to keep our air cleaner. No new costs are announced, but everyone should stay tuned for smooth changes ahead!
Next: 2025-17068, Narrow Woven Ribbons With Woven Selvedge From Taiwan: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
The U.S. found that some narrow woven ribbons from Taiwan were sold in the U.S. for less than fair value between September 2023 and August 2024. They’re stopping the review for some companies that asked out, but the rest are still under the microscope. Businesses involved should pay attention and can share their thoughts soon!