The U.S. Department of State has designated Barrio 18 as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on September 23, 2025.
This action targets the gang’s financial networks to curb violence and drug trafficking in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, enhancing U.S. national security.
Barrio 18 is recognized as one of the most violent gangs in the Western Hemisphere, with significant operations in Central America.
The gang’s activities include extortion, drug trafficking, and violent crime, contributing to regional instability.
The designation by the U.S. aims to disrupt these operations by targeting their funding sources.
The designation provides enhanced legal tools for U.S. authorities to combat Barrio 18’s criminal activities more effectively.
By classifying them as a terrorist organization, the U.S. can impose stricter sanctions and collaborate more closely with international partners to dismantle their networks.
International Collaboration
This move is expected to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Central American governments in addressing gang violence and drug trafficking.
It underscores a commitment to regional security efforts that aim to stabilize affected areas and reduce migration pressures towards the United States.
Strategic Actions
- Implementing sanctions against individuals linked to Barrio 18.
- Enhancing intelligence sharing with Central American countries.
- Supporting local law enforcement efforts in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
- Disrupting financial transactions associated with gang activities.
Economic Implications
The economic impact of this designation could be significant for regions under Barrio 18’s influence.
By targeting illicit economies controlled by the gang, there is potential for increased stability which may foster economic development opportunities and reduce migration incentives from these areas toward the United States.
Additional Reading
In a Nutshell
The designation of Barrio 18 as an FTO marks a pivotal step in combating transnational crime affecting both Central America and the United States.
By disrupting their financial networks, this action aims not only at reducing violence but also at fostering regional stability that benefits all stakeholders involved.
Sources: U.S. Department of State, Americas Quarterly, and The Diplomatic Envoy.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
