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NewsTelemundo 51 Miami – MainJuly 16, 2026United States

US Designates Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

The U.S. government has officially designated the Juárez Cartel and the criminal group Los Viagras as foreign terrorist organizations. This classification allows U.S. authorities to take more aggressive actions against these groups and anyone found providing them with support.

foreign policynational securityorganized crimeUS-Mexico relationsterrorism designation
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Why It Matters

This designation expands the legal authority of U.S. agencies to target these organizations and their associates, potentially increasing diplomatic and security tensions between the U.S. and Mexican governments.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. government officially designated the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras as foreign terrorist organizations.
  • There are now eight Mexican criminal organizations designated as terrorist groups by the U.S.
  • The designation allows U.S. authorities to take aggressive action against the groups and anyone providing them support.
  • The U.S. Department of State is offering a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of Los Viagras leader Nicolás Sierra Santana.
  • Nicolás Sierra Santana faces drug trafficking conspiracy charges in the District of Columbia as of June 2025.
  • The Juárez Cartel operates primarily in Ciudad Juárez, across from El Paso, Texas.
  • Los Viagras is a regional group based in Michoacán, known for extortion and synthetic drug production.
  • The policy of labeling Latin American cartels as terrorist organizations was expanded by President Trump in February 2025.

Who's Mentioned

personMarco Rubio“U.S. Secretary of State who requested the designations.”organizationLos Viagras“Newly designated foreign terrorist organization based in Michoacán.”personClaudia Sheinbaum“President of Mexico facing increased pressure due to these designations.”personNicolás Sierra Santana“Leader of Los Viagras, currently facing drug trafficking charges in the District”organizationCártel de Juárez“Newly designated foreign terrorist organization operating near the Texas border.”personDonald Trump“U.S. President who expanded the terrorist designation policy to Latin American c”