Congress Proposes Labeling Major Mexican Drug Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
The bill explicitly states that the terrorist designation of drug cartels cannot be used to expand asylum eligibility. This forecloses a potential legal argument that people fleeing cartel violence could use the designation to bolster asylum claims, making it harder for some undocumented individuals to gain legal status even if they are victims of cartel activity.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Rep. Chip Roy is pushing to codify an executive order declaring drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. On Jan. 31, 2025, Roy reintroduced the Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act to direct the State Department to designate the Gulf, Northeast, Sinaloa, and Jalisco cartels as FTOs.
President Trump signed an executive order designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The designation allows the government to use military intelligence to investigate the groups and freeze their assets, though Mexican leaders have expressed opposition over sovereignty concerns.
Experts warn that designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations could open doors to military operations in Mexico and disqualify individuals from seeking asylum. While it allows for economic sanctions, critics argue it may have little impact on day-to-day counter-narcotics operations.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act
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