Fact Check: FBI's Counterterrorism Mission Redefined to Include Drug Cartels
What We Know
On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled "Designating Cartels and Other Organizations As Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists." This order establishes a framework for designating international drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) under U.S. law, specifically referencing the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) (source-1). The order asserts that these cartels pose a national security threat that extends beyond traditional organized crime, engaging in violent campaigns that destabilize countries and threaten U.S. interests (source-1).
The order emphasizes that drug cartels, such as the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), have been involved in activities that include trafficking deadly drugs into the U.S. and engaging in violent acts that threaten the safety of American citizens (source-2). The designation allows the U.S. government to employ counterterrorism tools against these organizations, which includes freezing assets and restricting financial transactions (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that the FBI's counterterrorism mission has been redefined to include drug cartels is substantiated by the executive order issued by President Trump. The order clearly states that international cartels are to be treated as terrorist organizations due to their violent activities and the threats they pose to national security (source-1). This marks a significant shift in how these organizations are viewed within the context of U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
The reliability of the sources is high, as they originate from official government documents and statements. The executive order itself is a primary source that outlines the new policy direction, while subsequent alerts and announcements from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) provide context and detail on how these designations will be implemented (source-2). Furthermore, the U.S. State Department has also confirmed actions taken against cartel leaders under this new framework, reinforcing the credibility of the claim (source-3).
However, it is essential to consider potential biases in the framing of these actions. The designation of drug cartels as terrorist organizations may be seen as a political maneuver, particularly in the context of ongoing debates about immigration and drug policy in the U.S. (source-4). Nonetheless, the operational implications of this designation are clear and align with the broader goals of U.S. counterterrorism strategies.
Conclusion
The claim that the FBI's counterterrorism mission has been redefined to include drug cartels is True. The issuance of the executive order designating drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations demonstrates a formal shift in policy that integrates these groups into the framework of U.S. counterterrorism efforts. This change reflects a recognition of the significant threats posed by these organizations to national security, justifying their inclusion in counterterrorism operations.
