Fact Check: Jalisco New Generation cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

Fact Check: "Jalisco New Generation cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization."

What We Know

On February 20, 2025, the United States Department of State officially designated the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) along with several other criminal organizations, including Tren de Aragua and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) (U.S. Department of State). This designation is part of the U.S. government's broader strategy to combat international cartels and transnational organizations that engage in violent and terroristic activities.

The CJNG is described as a transnational organization with operations throughout Mexico and connections in various countries across the Americas, Australia, China, and Southeast Asia. The cartel is involved in a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violent acts against law enforcement and government officials (Federal Register). The designation aims to expose and isolate these organizations, thereby denying them access to the U.S. financial system and resources necessary for their operations.

Analysis

The designation of CJNG as a terrorist organization is supported by substantial evidence of its violent activities and criminal operations. The cartel has been implicated in numerous violent incidents, including attacks on Mexican military and police forces, the use of military-grade weaponry, and assassinations of officials (U.S. Department of State). This aligns with the criteria for FTO designation, which includes engaging in premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatants.

The sources cited, particularly the official announcements from the U.S. Department of State and the Federal Register, are credible and authoritative. They provide detailed descriptions of the CJNG's activities and the rationale behind its designation. The U.S. government’s commitment to combating such organizations is further reinforced by executive orders and legislative frameworks that empower these designations (White House, Congress.gov).

While some may argue about the implications of such designations, the evidence presented by the U.S. government supports the claim that CJNG meets the criteria for being labeled a terrorist organization. The designation serves not only as a legal classification but also as a strategic tool in the fight against organized crime and terrorism.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the Jalisco New Generation cartel has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization is accurate. The U.S. Department of State's official designation confirms this status, supported by extensive evidence of the cartel's violent and criminal activities.

Fact Check: Jalisco New Generation cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization.