Fact Check: "The United States has designated MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization."
What We Know
The claim that the United States has designated MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) as a foreign terrorist organization is not supported by current official designations. As of October 2023, MS-13 is recognized primarily as a violent gang involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and murder, particularly in Central America and the United States. The U.S. Department of State has not officially classified MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) under the relevant statutes that govern such designations (source-1).
While MS-13 has been labeled as a transnational criminal organization and has been involved in acts of violence that could be characterized as terrorism, this does not equate to an official designation as a terrorist organization. The U.S. government has focused on combating MS-13 through law enforcement and immigration policies rather than through the FTO designation process (source-2).
Analysis
The assertion that MS-13 is designated as a foreign terrorist organization lacks substantiation from credible sources. The U.S. government maintains a specific list of organizations that are officially designated as foreign terrorist organizations, which includes groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, but does not include MS-13 (source-3).
The lack of an FTO designation for MS-13 suggests that while the group engages in violent and criminal behavior, it does not meet the criteria set forth by the State Department for such a designation. This includes factors such as the group's intent to influence or coerce a civilian population or to affect the policy of a government through intimidation or coercion (source-4).
Moreover, the portrayal of MS-13 in media and political discourse often emphasizes its violent nature, which can lead to misconceptions about its classification. The narrative surrounding MS-13 is often intertwined with broader discussions about immigration and crime, which can further complicate public understanding of its status (source-5).
Conclusion
The claim that the United States has designated MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization is Unverified. While MS-13 is recognized as a dangerous criminal gang, it has not been officially classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. The distinction is significant, as it reflects the criteria and processes involved in such designations, which MS-13 does not currently fulfill.
