Proclamation March 12, 2026 Doc #2026-04924

Commitment to Countering Cartel Criminal Activity

Defense Foreign Policy Public Safety
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Commitment to Countering Cartel Criminal Activity
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In Simple Terms

The President wants to stop criminal groups called cartels. The U.S. will work with other countries to fight these groups.

Summary

President Donald J. Trump issued Proclamation 11015, titled "Commitment to Countering Cartel Criminal Activity," to address the threat posed by criminal cartels and foreign terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere. This action involves designating these groups as foreign terrorist organizations and dedicating significant resources to dismantle them. The proclamation establishes the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, a partnership with military leaders from 17 countries, to coordinate efforts and utilize military power against these threats. The United States aims to work with allies to strip these organizations of territory, financing, and resources, while also training partner nation militaries to effectively combat cartel influence and violence.

Official Record

Federal Register Published

Signed by the President

March 07, 2026

Published on WhiteHouse.gov

View on WhiteHouse.gov

Published in Federal Register

View on Federal Register View Printed Version (PDF)

March 12, 2026

Document #2026-04924

Analysis & Impact

💡 How This May Affect You

  • Working families and individuals: Increased safety may reduce crime-related stress and improve community stability.
  • Small business owners: Reduced cartel influence could lower extortion risks and enhance business security.
  • Students and recent graduates: Safer environments may lead to improved educational opportunities and career prospects.
  • Retirees and seniors: Less crime could enhance neighborhood safety and peace of mind for older residents.
  • Different regions (urban, suburban, rural): Urban areas may see more immediate impacts, while rural regions could experience slower changes.

🏢 Key Stakeholders

  • Military and defense contractors benefit from increased funding and operations.
  • Cartels and transnational gangs face significant operational and financial challenges.
  • U.S. Department of Defense leads implementation through military coordination.
  • Human rights organizations may raise concerns about military interventions.
  • Latin American governments are key partners in regional security cooperation.

📈 What to Expect

Short-term (3–12 months):

  • Increased military presence in cartel-dominated regions.
  • Heightened diplomatic engagements with Western Hemisphere allies.
  • Initial disruptions in cartel supply chains.

Long-term (1–4 years):

  • Significant reduction in cartel territorial control.
  • Strengthened regional military alliances and cooperation.
  • Decreased cartel influence in political systems.

📚 Historical Context

  • Similar to Nixon's 1971 "War on Drugs," focusing on dismantling organized crime networks.
  • Builds on George W. Bush's 2001 designation of terrorist organizations, expanding to include cartels.
  • Notable for establishing the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, a new multinational military alliance.
  • Reverses Obama's 2011 focus on domestic enforcement, shifting to international military collaboration.
  • Historically significant for labeling cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a legal and strategic shift.

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