The U.S. government has designated the gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist as of February 20, 2025.
This move aims to combat transnational organized crime and terrorism in the Western Hemisphere by targeting MS-13’s leadership, including Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías, who remains at large.
Reward Offered for Information on Porky
The U.S. Department of State has announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías, also known as “Porky” or “Alexander Mendoza.”
As the leader of MS-13 in Honduras, Archaga Carías is responsible for directing various criminal activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, murder, and kidnappings.
MS-13’s designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization reflects ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to reduce violent crime and enhance regional security.
The gang’s involvement in drug trafficking poses significant threats to both regional stability and U.S. national security. By targeting MS-13’s leadership, the U.S. aims to disrupt these criminal networks.
International Cooperation
- The reward program encourages international collaboration through U.S. embassies and consulates.
- This initiative strengthens cross-border law enforcement efforts against transnational crime.
- It reinforces diplomatic relations with Honduras and other regional partners.
- The program highlights the importance of public awareness in combating organized crime.
Regional Security Efforts
- Targeting MS-13 leadership aims to reduce gang-related violence in Central America.
- The initiative seeks to curb drug trafficking into the United States.
- Efforts are aligned with broader U.S. policies on national security and public safety.
- This action underscores the commitment to building a safer hemisphere in the Americas.
“Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) is now designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), reflecting our commitment to eliminating threats posed by violent crime throughout the Western Hemisphere,”
stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Additional Reading
To Sum Up
The designation of MS-13 as a terrorist organization marks a significant step in combating transnational crime affecting both regional stability and U.S. national security interests.
By offering substantial rewards for information leading to arrests, this initiative underscores America’s determination to dismantle criminal networks threatening peace across borders.
Sources: US Secretary of State, and the State Department.
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.
