The Biden-era open border is officially over as President Trump’s administration takes bold action to designate Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, arming law enforcement with new tools to protect American communities.
Story Overview
- Cartel de los Soles is now officially designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
- The move exposes the Maduro regime’s direct ties to narco-terrorism and expands U.S. legal and operational authority.
- New sanctions freeze cartel assets, ban travel, and empower agencies to disrupt criminal networks.
- The designation marks the first time a Venezuelan cartel receives both FTO and SDGT status.
- Experts say this action will weaken the Maduro regime and disrupt drug trafficking routes.
Historic Designation Targets Narco-Terrorism
In early 2025, the U.S. government formally designated Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This unprecedented move is part of a broader crackdown on transnational criminal organizations that have long exploited America’s porous southern border.
The Cartel de los Soles, allegedly led by high-ranking Venezuelan officials, has been accused of facilitating large-scale cocaine trafficking, supporting other terrorist groups, and corrupting state institutions. By designating the cartel as a terrorist organization, U.S. authorities now have expanded legal and operational tools to target its assets, leadership, and networks both domestically and internationally.
Expanded Authority and Immediate Impact
The designation immediately triggers asset freezes, travel bans, and increased law enforcement cooperation. U.S. agencies now have greater authority to prosecute cartel associates and facilitators, disrupting the flow of drugs and criminal activity into the United States.
The Treasury Department stated that this action further exposes the illegitimate Maduro regime’s facilitation of narco-terrorism through groups like Cartel de los Soles. The White House emphasized that the policy aims for the total elimination of these organizations’ presence in the United States.
The move also signals a clear break from the previous administration’s approach, which many conservatives criticized for enabling illegal immigration and failing to secure the border.
Long-Term Implications and Expert Analysis
Security analysts agree that the FTO designation provides new options for U.S. authorities, including expanded intelligence operations, asset seizures, and criminal prosecutions. The designation is expected to weaken the Maduro regime’s financial base and disrupt drug trafficking routes in the region.
However, some experts caution that the move could escalate tensions and complicate humanitarian efforts in Venezuela. The blurring of lines between state and criminal actors in Venezuela makes traditional counter-narcotics strategies less effective, and legal experts highlight the significance of using terrorism statutes against criminal organizations, potentially setting new precedents.
Supporters see the designation as a necessary escalation to address a growing threat, while critics warn of unintended consequences, including potential harm to civilians and diplomatic fallout.
Sources:
U.S. Treasury Department press release on Cartel de los Soles designation
White House executive order on designating cartels as FTOs and SDGTs
U.S. State Department statements on international cartel designations
