U.S. designates Ecuadorian criminal organization as terrorists

U.S. designates Ecuadorean gangs as terrorist organizations

In a significant move, US President Donald Trump signed a decree on his first day in office, classifying foreign drug cartels as terrorist organizations. This designation was extended to two notorious gangs from Ecuador: Los Choneros and Los Lobos, an announcement made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Quito to meet with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa.

The designation of these gangs as terror groups allows the US military to be deployed against them, a measure aimed at curbing their activities, particularly their involvement in smuggling cocaine into the United States and Europe.

The notorious leader of Los Choneros, Fito Macias, was extradited to the US in July and is to stand trial. His extradition followed a state of emergency declared in Ecuador due to his prison escape. Macias' cartel, Los Choneros, and their rivals, Los Lobos, are responsible for numerous murders in Ecuador, contributing to the country's severe security crisis.

The designation of Los Choneros and Los Lobos as terror groups also enables US authorities to freeze their assets, a crucial step in disrupting their financial operations. The Tren de Aragua drug gang, another foreign terrorist organization, is also involved in similar activities and has been linked to a boat allegedly downed by President Trump in the Caribbean, resulting in the death of eleven suspected members.

The murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio drew international attention in the summer of 2023. Two suspected members of Los Lobos were convicted for his murder. The number of murders in the first half of 2025 increased by 47% compared to the previous year in Ecuador, underscoring the urgent need for action against these gangs.

The designation of these gangs as terror groups also strengthens intelligence-sharing between US and Ecuadorian authorities, a crucial step in the global fight against drug trafficking and organised crime. Fernando Villavicencio, during his campaign, publicly accused the gangs of violence and promised to fight against them. His tragic death serves as a reminder of the importance of this ongoing battle.