What change occurred regarding the designation of Mexican cartels in the U.S.?

The designation of Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations reflects a significant shift in how these groups are viewed within the context of U.S. national security and law enforcement. This classification underscores the cartels' involvement in extreme violence, acts intended to intimidate or coerce civilian populations, and their disruptive impact on public safety and governance. By labeling these cartels as terrorist organizations, the U.S. government acknowledges the threat they pose not just to individuals, but also to the stability and security of regions affected by their activities.

This designation allows law enforcement and federal agencies to employ a wider range of tools and strategies aimed at countering terrorism, which may be more effective than typical law enforcement measures used to combat organized crime. It emphasizes the severity of the cartels' operations, which often extend beyond drug trafficking to include human trafficking, corruption, and other violent crimes, thereby framing their actions within a more urgent national and international security context.