Families of cartel violence victims call for terrorist designation of Juárez Cartel
- A coalition, American Families Against Cartel Terrorism, is advocating for the Juárez Cartel and La Línea to be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
- The coalition highlights personal stories of grief from families who lost members to cartel violence, like the Lebaron massacre in 2019.
- They emphasize that such a designation would send a strong message against cartel violence and could empower victims to seek justice.
In the United States, a coalition named American Families Against Cartel Terrorism has formed to advocate for the designation of the Juárez Cartel and its armed wing, La Línea, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This appeal comes in light of the violence inflicted by drug cartels which has claimed the lives of American citizens, including families linked to the Lebaron massacre in November 2019. The coalition's letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscores the emotional toll and the need for justice, highlighting personal stories of loss from cartel violence. The request has gained attention following the rise in violent incidents attributed to Mexican drug cartels, which not only threaten lives in Mexico but also extend their impact across the border into American communities. The letter's authors argue that designating these criminal organizations as FTOs would enhance legal repercussions against them, making it illegal to provide material support to these groups and allowing victims to seek compensation for the atrocities committed against them. Previously, the Trump administration acted to designate eight other drug cartels as FTOs, indicating a willingness to expand the parameters under which groups can be classified as terrorists. However, critics argue that such designations do not effectively bolster law enforcement or prosecution capabilities against the cartels. They caution that while the label may hold symbolic significance, it does not guarantee a reduction in cartel-driven violence or increase safety for American families. As the coalition continues to push for further recognition of the threat posed by the Juárez Cartel and La Línea, the ongoing dialogue between American victims and government officials remains critical. Families hope that by bringing attention to the brutal realities of cartel violence and its impact on American soil, additional resources and strategies can be employed to combat the escalating threat these organizations create.