Former FBI Official: Terrorism Charges Against Sinaloa Cartel Members Signal Strategic Shift by DOJ

In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the federal government’s approach to combating drug cartels, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged two alleged members of the notorious Sinaloa cartel with terrorism-related offenses. According to a former FBI official, this marks a significant departure from traditional law enforcement strategies and represents an evolution in how the U.S. views and combats transnational criminal organizations.

The charges, which include accusations of engaging in terrorist activities against U.S. citizens and national interests, reflect an increasingly aggressive stance toward drug trafficking networks. For decades, cartels have been pursued under narcotics and organized crime statutes. However, designating their actions as terrorism opens new legal and operational avenues for prosecution, intelligence sharing, and international cooperation.

“This is a seismic shift in how we categorize and respond to cartel violence,” said the former FBI official, who spoke under condition of anonymity. “Treating these organizations not just as criminal enterprises but as terroristic threats elevates the urgency and the tools available to law enforcement.”

The Sinaloa cartel, long considered one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world, has been linked to a staggering amount of violence both in Mexico and the United States. The DOJ’s decision underscores growing concern that the cartel’s tactics — including mass killings, political intimidation, and assaults on law enforcement — mirror those of designated terrorist groups.

Legal experts note that applying terrorism charges can result in harsher penalties and asset forfeiture, as well as increased authority for intelligence operations. It may also pressure international partners, especially Mexico, to increase cooperation with U.S. authorities in joint anti-cartel efforts.

While some critics warn that conflating drug trafficking with terrorism could complicate diplomatic relations and potentially undermine criminal justice standards, supporters argue the move is necessary given the scale and brutality of cartel operations.

“This isn’t just about drugs anymore,” the former FBI official added. “It’s about national security.”

The DOJ’s bold decision could pave the way for a broader reclassification of major cartels as terrorist organizations — a move that would have profound implications for U.S. foreign policy, border security, and the global war on drug