--- title: What Is The Impact Of Designating Mexican Cartels As Terrorist Organizations? description: By classifying cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, the U.S. wants to cut funding and impose harsher legal consequences on those who facilitate their activities. image: https://www.globalguardian.com/hubfs/YourQuestionsAnswered_Exploration_Feature-01.png --- [+1 (703) 566-9463](tel:+17035669463) | [Emergency Support](https://www.globalguardian.com//emergency-support) [![GG Logo Main White](https://www.globalguardian.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GlobalGuardian_Oct2019/Logos/GG%20Logo%20Main%20White.png?width=208&height=45&name=GG%20Logo%20Main%20White.png "GG Logo Main White")](https://globalguardian.com) - [Corporate ](https://www.globalguardian.com/corporate-solutions) - [Personal ](https://www.globalguardian.com/personal-solutions) - [Government](https://www.globalguardian.com/government-solutions) - [Outcomes](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies) - [ Travel Security ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Traveler%20Security) - [ Executive Protection ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Executive%20Protection%20and%20Transportation) - [ Emergency Response ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Emergency%20Response) - [ Medical Assistance ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Medical%20Assistance) - [ Event Security ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Event%20Security) - [ Video Surveillance ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Asset%20Security) - Learn - [ Global Digest ](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-digest) - [ Newsroom ](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom) - [ Webinars ](https://www.globalguardian.com/media-room#t4) - [ Global Guardian Academy ](https://academy.globalguardian.com/) - [ FAQ ](https://www.globalguardian.com/faq) - Company - [ About Global Guardian ](https://www.globalguardian.com/about-global-guardian) - [ Executive Leadership ](https://www.globalguardian.com/executive-leadership) - [ Menu of Services ](https://www.globalguardian.com/service-menu) - [ Global Coverage ](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-coverage) - [ Contact Us ](https://www.globalguardian.com/contact) - [ Careers ](https://www.globalguardian.com/careers) [![Request Security](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2233164/aecafd49-7abe-4a80-95c2-e37dbbacda44.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2233164/aecafd49-7abe-4a80-95c2-e37dbbacda44) # Your Questions Answered: What Is The Impact Of Designating Mexican Cartels As Terrorist Organizations? [Your Questions Answered](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-digest/topic/your-questions-answered) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fglobal-digest%2Fquestions-answers-cartels-ftos%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fglobal-digest%2Fquestions-answers-cartels-ftos%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fglobal-digest%2Fquestions-answers-cartels-ftos%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fglobal-digest%2Fquestions-answers-cartels-ftos%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=What%20Is%20The%20Impact%20Of%20Designating%20Mexican%20Cartels%20As%20Terrorist%20Organizations%3F) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fglobal-digest%2Fquestions-answers-cartels-ftos%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fglobal-digest%2Fquestions-answers-cartels-ftos%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fglobal-digest%2Fquestions-answers-cartels-ftos%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) --- In Global Guardian's "Your Questions Answered" series, our experts address pressing questions on current events, providing insight and analysis on the issues that impact your personal safety, business operations, and travel security.  Read below for insights from our analysts and subject matter experts, and [get in touch with our team](https://www.globalguardian.com/request-security-services) for further support and guidance.  --- ## This week’s question February 20, 2025 *What will be the impact of the U.S.'s decision to designate a number of Mexican cartels and criminal gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs)?* --- ## Global Guardian’s response Provided by: Michael Ballard, Director of Intelligence The U.S. government’s decision to designate multiple Mexican drug cartels and two international criminal gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) marks a significant shift in how these groups are targeted. While this does not necessarily signal an immediate escalation in military or law enforcement operations, it provides U.S. agencies with stronger legal tools to disrupt cartel activities—particularly their financial networks. This designation falls under *Executive Order 13224*, a counterterrorism measure enacted after 9/11 to cut off funding for groups that support or commit acts of terrorism. A primary effect is increased pressure on cartel finances. Law enforcement can now freeze assets, block transactions, and prosecute individuals and entities that provide material support—knowingly or unknowingly. Businesses operating in Mexico must scrutinize their financial dealings to avoid exposure, as failure to comply could result in criminal prosecution rather than just fines. The impact on anti-money laundering enforcement is also significant. Historically, financial institutions have faced fines for processing illicit cartel funds, but this designation raises the stakes. For example, in 2012, HSBC settled with U.S. authorities for nearly $2 billion after laundering money for criminal organizations. Now, similar cases could result in jail time for executives and complicit financial actors. This move is designed to weaken cartel operations by cutting off funding and increasing legal risks for enablers. Compliance measures will need reassessment, and enforcement actions are likely to intensify as authorities leverage this designation to dismantle the economic infrastructure supporting these violent organizations. --- ## Key Takeaways This designation does not mean the U.S. is now launching military strikes against cartels, but rather expands legal and financial tools to disrupt their operations. By classifying them as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, the focus is on cutting off funding and imposing harsher legal consequences on those who facilitate their activities, rather than direct military action. --- ## Standing by to Support The Global Guardian team is standing by to support your duty of care and security requirements with a comprehensive suite of solutions. To learn more about our services, complete the form below or call us at + 1 (703) 566-9463. 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