Bolsonaros' Push: U.S. May Brand Brazilian Gangs as Terrorist Organizations
After lobbying by Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro and his family, the U.S. may designate major Brazilian drug trafficking groups as foreign terrorist organizations.
In a significant move that could reshape global counternarcotics efforts, the United States is considering designating major Brazilian drug trafficking organizations as foreign terrorist groups, according to senior U.S. officials. This potential designation comes after sustained lobbying by former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his family, who have long pushed for tougher action against criminal gangs in Brazil.
The Bolsonaros' aggressive stance on crime and their desire to see Brazilian gangs officially labeled as terrorist groups have gained traction with some U.S. policymakers. Supporters of the designation argue that it would open up new legal tools and financial sanctions to target the gangs' financing and disrupt their operations. However, critics warn that such a move could have unintended consequences and may complicate already complex law enforcement cooperation between the U.S. and Brazil.
Drug traffickers, part of an organized criminal group, gathered after a police operation in a favela in 2020.
Source: The New York Times
