Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Sunday that the Cartel de los Soles, a criminal network linked to Venezuela’s leadership, will be designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The move marks a significant escalation in U.S. policy toward the Maduro government and could pave the way for future military or financial actions.
The designation, scheduled to take effect November 24, targets the cartel allegedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other senior members of his administration. The State Department described the cartel as corrupting Venezuela’s military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary.
“Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela’s legitimate government,” the statement said. “The Cartel de los Soles, in coordination with other terrorist groups including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, is responsible for terrorist violence across the hemisphere and drug trafficking into the United States and Europe.”
Rubio confirmed the action will be taken under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the State Department to designate foreign entities engaged in terrorist activities. The designation becomes official upon publication in the Federal Register.
The Cartel de los Soles had previously been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department under Executive Order 13224, aimed at terrorists and those supporting terrorist activities. The new FTO status further strengthens the government’s legal authority to target the group’s assets and operations globally.
In a post on X, Rubio stated, “The Cartel de los Soles, headed by the illegitimate Nicolás Maduro, has corrupted Venezuelan institutions and is responsible for terrorist violence conducted by and with other designated FTOs, as well as drug trafficking into the United States and Europe.”
President Trump also commented, emphasizing U.S. efforts to stop illegal drugs from entering the country. “We’re stopping drug dealers and drugs from coming into our country,” he said.
The announcement coincides with reports that the Trump administration directed the USS Gerald R. Ford to U.S. Southern Command, heightening tensions with Caracas. Maduro accused Trump of “fabricating a new eternal war” in response.
Trump added that talks with Venezuela may occur and confirmed the FTO designation could allow the U.S. to target Maduro’s assets or infrastructure. “It allows us to do that,” he said. “We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we’ll see how that turns out. They would like to talk. We’ll see what happens.”
The U.S. move signals a sharper stance against Maduro’s regime and criminal networks operating in Venezuela. Analysts say it could increase pressure on the Venezuelan government, disrupt drug trafficking operations, and potentially allow for broader enforcement actions by U.S. authorities.
