Foreign Terrorist Organizations

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Puerto Rico, in collaboration with the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), announced prosecutorial results including indictments, guilty pleas, and sentencings from May 26 to May 29, 2026. The HSTF aims to combat transnational criminal organizations such as cartels, trafficking networks, and foreign terrorist groups.

The United States has designated Brazil’s two largest criminal gangs, the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command, as foreign terrorist organizations. The announcement by Marco Rubio is viewed as a setback for Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who opposed the designation, and a boost for his far-right challenger, Flávio Bolsonaro.

The Trump administration designated Brazil's First Command of the Capital (PCC) and Red Command (CV) as Specially Designated Global Terrorists and intends to classify them as Foreign Terrorist Organizations effective June 5, 2026. The move follows pressure from Brazilian Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, who argued the gangs pose transnational threats through drug trafficking and violence. The U.S. stated the action aims to disrupt illicit networks and protect national security.

The Trump administration designated Brazil's First Command of the Capital (PCC) and Red Command (CV) as foreign terrorist organizations, citing their combined 50,000+ members and violent activities. The move followed a request by Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and faces opposition from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's government.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Puerto Rico and the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) announced investigative and prosecutorial results for the week of May 18–22, 2026, including indictments, guilty pleas, and sentencings targeting transnational criminal organizations. The HSTF, an interagency task force, aims to combat cartels, trafficking networks, and foreign terrorist groups.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa bans on 75 family members and associates of the Sinaloa cartel, expanding Trump-era sanctions to target those profiting from cartel activities. The Sinaloa cartel, designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2025, faces intensified U.S. measures including military intervention and criminal penalties.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa bans on 75 family members and associates linked to the Sinaloa cartel, expanding the Trump administration's crackdown on drug traffickers and those profiting from illicit activities. The Sinaloa cartel was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization in February 2025, enabling stricter U.S. penalties and military actions.

The U.S. took custody of 37 Mexican nationals wanted for serious federal crimes including narcoterrorism, material support to foreign terrorist organizations, firearms trafficking, human smuggling, and drug trafficking offenses. These fugitives were transferred from Mexico to face charges around the United States.

The United States has successfully extradited 26 fugitives from Mexico who were wanted for various federal and state crimes, including leaders of foreign terrorist organizations and an alien smuggling organization. This operation represents a significant law enforcement achievement in cross-border criminal apprehension.