Presidential Proclamation on Countering Cartel Criminal Activity

White House: Presidential Actions

Published March 7th, 2026

Detected March 8th, 2026

Summary

President Trump issued a proclamation declaring the United States' commitment to dismantling cartels and foreign terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere. The proclamation outlines a strategy involving coordinated efforts with allies to deny these organizations resources and territory, and to train partner nation militaries.

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What changed

President Donald J. Trump has issued a proclamation formally stating the United States' commitment to countering cartel criminal activity and foreign terrorist organizations operating in the Western Hemisphere. The proclamation, signed on March 7, 2026, directs that such organizations should be demolished to the fullest extent possible, consistent with applicable law. It also mandates coordinated efforts with allies to deprive these groups of territory and financing, and to train partner nation militaries to effectively dismantle cartels and their ability to export violence.

This proclamation signifies a heightened focus and commitment from the executive branch towards combating transnational organized crime and terrorism in the region. While it does not introduce new specific legal obligations for regulated entities, it signals an intent to utilize existing authorities and resources, in conjunction with international partners, to disrupt cartel operations. Compliance officers should be aware of potential increased enforcement activities and international cooperation related to financial flows, asset tracing, and interdiction efforts targeting these organizations.

What to do next

Review existing due diligence and AML policies for potential exposure to entities linked to cartel financing.
Monitor for any new interagency or international directives related to cartel disruption efforts.
Assess potential impacts on supply chains or business operations due to increased interdiction or sanctions related to cartel activities.

Source document (simplified)

Presidential Actions

COMMITMENT TO COUNTERING CARTEL CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

Proclamations

March 7, 2026

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

The United States, under my leadership, has demonstrated a sustained commitment towards achieving the dismantlement of cartels and foreign terrorists operating in the Western Hemisphere. My Administration has designated a number of cartels and transnational gangs as foreign terrorist organizations and has since dedicated unprecedented resources towards their destruction. These international entities control territories and commerce, extort political and judicial systems, wield arms and field military capabilities, and use assassinations and terrorism to achieve their ends. In furtherance of our efforts, the Secretary of War established the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, a pledge from military leaders and representatives from 17 countries demonstrating that the region is ready to operationalize hard power to defeat these threats to our security and civilization. We will address these grave dangers by use of any necessary resources and legally available authorities, together with our partner nations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim as follows:

(1) Criminal cartels and foreign terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere should be demolished to the fullest extent possible consistent with applicable law.

(2) The United States and its allies should coordinate to deprive these organizations of any control of territory and access to financing or resources necessary to conduct their campaigns of violence.

(3) The United States will train and mobilize partner nation militaries to achieve the most effective fighting force necessary to dismantle cartels and their ability to export violence and pursue influence through organized intimidation.

(4) The United States and its allies should keep external threats at bay, including malign foreign influences from outside the Western Hemisphere.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.

DONALD J. TRUMP