Summary

Summary of Executive Order: Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

Purpose

• The order aims to designate certain international cartels and related organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
• Recognizes these entities as a national security threat, citing violent and destabilizing activities in the Western Hemisphere.

Key Points

• National Security Threats:

• Cartels are involved in violence and terror, significantly affecting U.S. national interests.

• They collaborate with foreign terrorist organizations and foreign governments.

• Their control over illegal activities includes undermining governmental authority in certain regions, posing a risk to U.S. safety and security.

• Other Threats:

• Transnational organizations like Tren de Aragua (TdA) and La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) also pose threats akin to those of the cartels.

• National Emergency Declaration:

• Declares a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to address these threats.

Actions Taken

• Designation Process:
• The Secretary of State is tasked with recommending designations for these organizations within 14 days.
• The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security will prepare operational measures related to potential removal of designated individuals in accordance with the Alien Enemies Act.

Expected Impact

• The executive order seeks to eliminate the presence and influence of these organizations within the U.S., thereby protecting national safety and security.
• Implementation will align with existing laws and available appropriations, with no enforceable rights created by this order.