United States Designates Barrio 18 as Foreign Terrorist Organization

U.S. Department of State Takes Action Against Transnational Gang

On September 23, 2025, the United States Department of State officially designated the Barrio 18 gang as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This significant action targets one of the largest and most violent gangs operating in the Western Hemisphere, particularly active in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The designation was announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that Barrio 18 has 'conducted attacks against security personnel, public officials, and civilians' in these Central American nations.

Origins and Activities of Barrio 18

The Barrio 18 gang, also known as 18th Street Gang, originated in Los Angeles in the 1960s as a multi-ethnic street gang. Its expansion into Central America, including El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, largely occurred in the 1990s due to the deportation of its members from the United States. With an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 members across the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, Barrio 18 is a formidable criminal entity. In El Salvador, internal divisions led to the formation of two rival factions: the Sureños and the Revolucionarios.

The gang's criminal activities are extensive and include:

• Extortion
• Drug trafficking
• Violent crime and targeted killings
• Human smuggling
• Attacks against security personnel, public officials, and civilians

The U.S. government emphasized that the designation is part of an effort to protect the nation by disrupting the flow of illicit drugs and the revenue streams that fund violent and criminal activities.

Implications of the Terrorist Designation

The designation of Barrio 18 as an FTO and SDGT carries several significant implications aimed at crippling the gang's operations and financial capabilities. These include:

• Making it a federal crime to provide material support or resources to the gang.
• The freezing of any assets held by Barrio 18 under U.S. jurisdiction.
• Barring its members from entering the United States.
• Providing U.S. law enforcement with enhanced tools to prosecute and disrupt the gang's activities.

This action aligns with the Trump Administration's broader commitment to dismantling cartels and gangs, and it places Barrio 18 alongside other designated groups such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The designation becomes effective upon its publication in the Federal Register.

Regional Context and Broader Efforts

The designation comes amidst ongoing efforts by Central American governments to combat gang violence. In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele has implemented stringent measures against gangs, leading to a significant reduction in crime rates but also raising concerns about human rights. President Bukele has previously referred to gang members as 'terrorists' and has overseen the construction of a mega-prison for gang confinement. The U.S. Department of State's action underscores a continued focus on transnational criminal organizations that destabilize the region and pose a threat to international security.