Fact Check: Cartels are terrorist organizations

Are Cartels Terrorist Organizations?

Introduction

The claim that "cartels are terrorist organizations" has gained traction in recent years, particularly in the context of U.S. policy discussions and legislative proposals. This assertion is often linked to the violent activities of drug cartels, particularly those operating in Mexico, and their impact on both domestic and international security. Various U.S. government entities and lawmakers have proposed designating certain cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), which would provide law enforcement with additional tools to combat their activities. However, this claim raises questions about the definitions of terrorism, the motivations behind such designations, and the implications for policy and law enforcement.

What We Know

1. U.S. Government Proposals: The White House and the Department of State have initiated discussions regarding the designation of certain cartels as FTOs. A recent executive order outlines a process for such designations, emphasizing the need to combat violence and terror associated with these groups 12.

2. Legislative Actions: Multiple bills have been introduced in Congress aimed at formally designating specific drug cartels as terrorist organizations. For instance, H.R.1564 and S.698 are two bills that call for the designation of particular cartels as FTOs, citing their violent actions and impact on American communities 48.

3. Violence and Terrorism: The argument for designating cartels as terrorist organizations often hinges on their use of violence to instill fear and exert control, similar to tactics employed by recognized terrorist groups. For example, the Cartel Unidos (CU) has been described as a violent transnational organization responsible for numerous casualties 3.

4. Public Safety Concerns: Officials, including state attorneys general, have expressed concerns about the role of cartels in the fentanyl crisis and other drug-related violence, arguing that designating them as terrorists could enhance law enforcement capabilities 910.

Analysis

The classification of cartels as terrorist organizations is contentious and involves several layers of complexity:

1. Definitions of Terrorism: The term "terrorism" is not universally defined, and different entities may have varying criteria for what constitutes a terrorist organization. The U.S. government typically defines terrorism as premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatant targets. Critics argue that while cartels engage in violent acts, their primary motivation is profit rather than political ideology, which complicates their classification as terrorists.

2. Source Credibility: The sources cited in support of the claim primarily come from U.S. government documents and statements, which are generally reliable but may carry inherent biases due to their political nature. For example, the White House and Department of State have vested interests in framing cartels as terrorist organizations to justify policy actions and resource allocation 12. Legislative sources also reflect political agendas, as lawmakers may seek to address public concerns about drug violence and security 48.

3. Potential Conflicts of Interest: Advocacy for the designation of cartels as terrorist organizations may be influenced by political motivations, particularly in election cycles where crime and drug-related issues are prominent. The push from state officials, such as Attorney General Paxton, may also reflect broader political strategies rather than purely public safety concerns 9.

4. Methodological Concerns: The evidence supporting the claim often relies on anecdotal accounts of violence and crime statistics. More rigorous, empirical studies examining the motivations and impacts of cartel activities compared to recognized terrorist organizations would strengthen the argument. Additionally, understanding the socio-economic contexts that contribute to cartel violence could provide a more nuanced view.

5. Counterarguments: Critics of the designation argue that labeling cartels as terrorist organizations may not effectively address the root causes of drug violence and could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased militarization of law enforcement and potential violations of civil liberties.

Conclusion

Verdict: Unverified

The claim that cartels are terrorist organizations remains unverified due to several key factors. While there are proposals from U.S. government entities and legislative actions aimed at designating certain cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), the definitions of terrorism are not universally agreed upon, and the motivations behind cartel violence are primarily profit-driven rather than politically motivated. The evidence cited primarily comes from government sources, which may carry biases, and the reliance on anecdotal accounts rather than rigorous empirical studies limits the strength of the argument.

Moreover, the potential political motivations behind the push for such designations further complicate the issue, suggesting that the advocacy may not solely stem from public safety concerns. As such, the classification of cartels as terrorist organizations is contentious and lacks a definitive basis in the available evidence.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate this information and consider the complexities involved in the classification of organizations as terrorist entities. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of both the motivations of cartels and the implications of labeling them as terrorists.

Sources

1. Designating Cartels And Other Organizations As Foreign Terrorist Organizations And Specially Designated Global Terrorists – The White House. Link
2. Terrorist Designations of International Cartels - United States Department of State. Link
3. Designation of International Cartels - United States Department of State. Link
4. H.R.1564 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act | Congress.gov. Link
5. HM 7065 PCB JDC 24-02 Designation of Drug Cartels as ... Link
6. Total Elimination of Cartels and Transnational Criminal ... Link
7. terrorist organizations | Congress.gov. Link
8. S.698 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act | Congress.gov. Link
9. Paxton Sends Message to Joe Biden and Antony Blinken Demanding that Violent Mexican Drug Cartels be Designated and Treated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations | Office of the Attorney General. Link
10. Ali discusses possible designation of Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. Link