Trump designates Barrio 18 gang as foreign terrorist organization

In a strong move to address crime and drug trafficking, the United States designated Barrio 18 as a foreign terrorist organization on September 22, 2020. This gang, largely operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, originated in Los Angeles and was initially formed by young Salvadoran immigrants seeking protection. The designation by the State Department highlights the gang's significant criminal activities, including violence against civilians and public officials in these countries. The action is part of a larger immigration crackdown initiated by the Trump administration, which has been labeling various Latin American criminal groups as terrorist organizations to disrupt their operations and protect American citizens. Barrio 18 is considered one of the largest gangs in the Northern Hemisphere, boasting an estimated membership of around 50,000. Over the past few years, the gang has expanded its influence and power in Central America, particularly following the deportation of many of its members from the U.S. This has led to increased violence and terror against local communities as the gang engages in drug trafficking, extortion, and other criminal activities. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the administration's commitment to dismantling these gangs and cartels to enhance national safety and curb illegal activities. The designation as both a foreign terrorist organization and a specifically designated global terrorist means that the U.S. can block any property under their name, freeze assets, and prevent financial or material support from U.S. persons. This move follows a political trend where Trump has labeled nearly a dozen criminal gangs as terrorist groups, including the notorious MS-13 gang, the Sinaloa Cartel, and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The U.S. policy is reflective of a broader strategy to address transnational crime and bolster law enforcement in Latin America. Simultaneously, this designation has raised concerns regarding human rights abuses in the regions involved. The recent administration's crackdown on these gangs, especially in El Salvador, under President Nayib Bukele, has led to the imprisonment of over 1% of the country's population accused of gang ties, often without substantial evidence. While this approach has reportedly reduced crime rates, it has also led to the erosion of legal protections and accusations of mass human rights violations committed under the guise of national security. The relationship between the U.S. and Central America is being further complicated as the U.S. escalates military actions against suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean, resulting in civilian casualties. Overall, the designation of Barrio 18 as a foreign terrorist organization is a reflection of the ongoing struggle against organized crime in Central America, the complexities of U.S. immigration policy, and the fine line between enforcing law and protecting human rights in the region. As both the U.S. and Central American countries continue to grapple with the realities of gang violence and drug trafficking, the achievements and limitations of such designations remain to be seen.