Latin American Nations Join US-Led Push to Label Cartels 'Terrorist' Groups
Coverage diverges on whether the move is a coordinated regional stand against crime or a US-driven push that, according to the New York Times, could help provide a public rationale for military strikes in Latin America.
What happened
A coalition of Latin American and Caribbean countries, described as 14 by two outlets, is moving to classify criminal groups including drug cartels as "terrorist" organizations, in coordination with a US initiative under the Trump administration.134
The effort, called the Shield of the Americas, follows US sanctions against 24 or 25 criminal groups (reports vary), including Brazilian factions the First Command of the Capital and the Red Command.123
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the designations began at Trump's request, and the New York Times reported they could help justify military strikes.4
A Colombian official cited by Fox News said Colombian forces, not American troops, will lead operations against armed groups under the initiative.2
What's agreed
Reported consistently by outlets in more than one region.
- A group of countries, reported variously as 14, across Latin America and the Caribbean, are moving to classify criminal groups such as drug cartels as "terrorist" organizations, aligning with a US-led initiative associated with the Trump administration.134
- The initiative, referred to as the Shield of the Americas, involves US sanctions or designations against dozens of criminal groups operating in the region.12
Where accounts differ
Each account is attributed to who makes it. We do not judge between them.
Number of countries and criminal groups involved
Purpose and implications of the designations
Fox News, citing Colombian official José Manuel Restrepo
The initiative is framed as a 'wave of freedom' with Colombian forces, not American troops, leading operations against armed groups.2
The New York Times
The designations, made at Trump's request, could help provide a public rationale for military strikes.4
How it's framed
What each perspective puts first, based on headlines and summaries.
| Perspective | How it reads | What it puts first |
|---|---|---|
| Latin American privately owned pressLatin America | Focuses on the mechanics of the initiative, naming specific criminal groups affected including Brazilian factions, and describes the effort as a coordinated regional response backed by the US.13 | Named criminal groups (PCC, Red Command), Number of participating countries, Regional coordination |
| US conservative-leaning pressNorth America | The headline frames the initiative using the phrase "wave of freedom" and emphasizes local (Colombian) leadership over American troops, per S2.2 | Wave of freedom, Local forces leading operations, Description of target group as Marxist terror group (per S2 headline) |
| US mainstream pressNorth America | Frames the designations as originating from a US request via Secretary of State Rubio, and raises the possibility that they could serve as justification for military strikes.4 | US origin of the request, Potential for military action, Rubio's role |
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed reported the specific criteria used for a "terrorist organization" designation.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported reactions from the criminal groups named or from governments not participating in the initiative.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported details on what military strikes, if any, have been planned or conducted under this framework.
Why it matters
The designations could affect how governments justify security operations against organized crime, with the New York Times reporting they may help provide a public rationale for military action.4
What to watch
- Whether additional countries formalize terrorist designations against criminal groups.
- Whether any military operations are conducted under the framework described by the New York Times.
Sources (4)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
North America
- 2Fox NewsUSPrivate
‘Wave of freedom’ sweeps Latin America as Trump ally takes fight to Marxist terror group
- 4The New York TimesUSPrivate
At Trump’s Request, Nations Are Designating Crime Groups as Terrorists
Latin America
- 1Folha de S.PauloBRPrivate
What is the Shield of the Americas, Trump initiative with conservative Latin American governments
Translated from Portuguese: O que é o Escudo das Américas, iniciativa de Trump com governos latinos conservadores
- 3ClarínARPrivate
Trump's Latin American allies plan to classify cartels as "terrorists"
Translated from Spanish: Aliados latinoamericanos de Trump planean calificar a los cárteles como "terroristas"