Unveiling a New Terrorist Designation
On September 23, the U.S. Department of State officially designated Barrio 18, also known as the 18th Street Gang, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity. This move places the gang in the same category as other notorious transnational criminal groups like Tren de Aragua and Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13. Originating as a street gang in Los Angeles, Barrio 18 has grown into a significant presence in Central America, particularly in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, where it has been linked to widespread violence and criminal activity.
The designation is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to curb the influence of transnational gangs that pose threats to national security. According to a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, 'The United States intends to take every available step to counter and disrupt the revenue streams funding the violent and criminal activity of vicious gangs.' This action makes it a federal crime to provide material support to Barrio 18, aiming to choke off its financial lifelines.
Impact on Central America and U.S. Security
Barrio 18's operations have long been a source of instability in Central American countries. The State Department highlighted that the gang has carried out targeted attacks on officials, security personnel, and civilians in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. These violent acts, including extortion and drug trafficking, have contributed to the region's challenges with crime and migration, often driving individuals to seek refuge in the United States.
The designation of Barrio 18 as an FTO is seen as a strategic move to address these issues at their root. By labeling the gang as a terrorist organization, the U.S. aims to enhance cooperation with Central American governments to dismantle its networks. This follows similar designations of other groups like Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang noted for its role in human trafficking and violence, and MS-13, which has a longstanding presence in both the U.S. and Central America.
The financial implications are significant as well. The U.S. intends to block the gang's income sources, which are often tied to illicit activities such as drug smuggling. This approach is designed to reduce the violence and extortion that have plagued communities in Central America while simultaneously protecting U.S. borders from the spillover effects of such criminal enterprises.
Broader Context of Transnational Crime Fight
This latest designation builds on previous actions taken by the current administration to combat transnational organized crime. Earlier in the year, on February 19, Secretary Rubio announced the classification of several cartels and gangs, including Tren de Aragua, MS-13, Cartel de Sinaloa, and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, as FTOs. These moves reflect a consistent policy of targeting groups that threaten hemispheric security.
The focus on Barrio 18 underscores the U.S. commitment to addressing not just drug cartels but also street gangs that have evolved into sophisticated criminal organizations. With deep reaches inside the United States, these groups often operate across borders, making international collaboration essential. The State Department's actions signal a zero-tolerance stance on gangs that destabilize communities both abroad and at home.