Argentina Designates Mexican Cartel CJNG as Terrorist Organization

Move aligns with U.S. stance, seen as effort to maintain favor with Trump administration

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:41am

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The Argentine government has officially designated the Mexican drug cartel Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) as a terrorist organization, making Argentina the first country in the region to take this step. President Javier Miley cited the fight against transnational crime as the rationale, but the decision is also viewed as an attempt to align with the policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump and maintain favor with the White House.

Why it matters

The designation of CJNG as a terrorist group is significant, as it gives Argentina additional legal tools to combat the cartel's activities. However, the timing and political context suggest the move is also driven by Miley's efforts to synchronize Argentina's foreign policy with the Trump administration's agenda, likely in an attempt to preserve good relations with the U.S. amid domestic challenges and the ongoing Falkland Islands dispute.

The details

CJNG, one of Mexico's most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations, was previously designated as a terrorist group by the United States. Argentina's decision to follow suit makes it the first country in the region to take this step. Miley framed the move as part of the fight against transnational crime, but analysts note the political motivations, as Argentina has been increasingly aligning its external decisions with Trump's positions in recent months, from demonstrating proximity to the White House to withdrawing from the World Health Organization.

  • In recent months, Argentina has been increasingly synchronizing external decisions with Donald Trump's line.
  • The U.S. had previously designated CJNG as a terrorist organization.

The players

Javier Miley

The President of Argentina who made the decision to designate CJNG as a terrorist organization, aligning with the U.S. stance.

Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG)

A powerful and violent Mexican drug trafficking organization that has now been designated as a terrorist group by both the U.S. and Argentina.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President whose policy agenda Argentina has been increasingly aligning with, likely in an effort to maintain favor with the White House.

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The takeaway

This decision highlights Argentina's efforts to synchronize its foreign policy with the Trump administration's agenda, likely in an attempt to preserve good relations with the U.S. amid domestic challenges and the ongoing Falkland Islands dispute. The designation of CJNG as a terrorist group gives Argentina additional legal tools to combat the cartel's activities, but the political motivations behind the move are also evident.