American families who lost loved ones to brutal cartel violence are demanding President Trump designate the Juarez Cartel as a terrorist organization, giving victims the power to seek justice through U.S. courts.
Key Takeaways
- American Families Against Cartel Terrorism (AmFACT) has formally requested Secretary of State Marco Rubio designate the Juárez Cartel and its armed wing, La Línea, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
- The request follows the horrific 2019 massacre of nine American women and children from the Lebaron family near the New Mexico border.
- Such designation would criminalize support for the cartel, bar non-citizen members from entering the U.S., and allow victims to sue for compensation.
- The Trump administration has already designated eight Latin American drug cartels and two Haitian gangs as terrorist organizations.
- Survivors and family members are seeking justice while preventing future violence against Americans.
Survivors Demand Justice Against Cartel Terrorists
American families devastated by Mexican cartel violence have launched a direct appeal to the Trump administration, seeking to designate the Juárez Cartel and its violent enforcement arm, La Línea, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The group, American Families Against Cartel Terrorism (AmFACT), sent their formal request to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the continued threat these criminal organizations pose to American citizens both near the border and throughout the United States.
“On November 4, 2019, I came face to face with the Juárez Cartel and its armed wing La Línea, as they sprayed our family with thousands of bullets,” said Devin Langford.
This designation would significantly expand the government’s legal authority to combat these organizations by criminalizing any material support, barring non-citizen members from entering the United States, and critically, allowing American victims and their families to sue for compensation. The Trump administration has already demonstrated willingness to use this powerful tool against criminal organizations, having previously designated eight Latin American drug cartels and two Haitian gangs as terrorist entities.
The Lebaron Family Massacre: A Call for Action
The petition carries particular weight given the horrific 2019 attack that shocked Americans. Cartel gunmen ambushed and murdered nine American women and children from the Lebaron family near the New Mexico border. This massacre, which included the burning of innocent children alive, represents one of the most brutal attacks on American citizens by Mexican cartels. While Mexican authorities have made some arrests and secured convictions, family members allege officials have attempted to cover up aspects of the case.
“I can never bring back my mother and siblings, but I can speak out so that no American should have to fear Mexican drug cartel violence,” said Devin Langford.
Mexican officials have attempted to downplay the targeted nature of the attack, claiming it was a case of mistaken identity where gunmen confused the American family vehicles for rival cartel members. This explanation has been met with skepticism by family members who have campaigned for years to have these organizations officially labeled as terrorist groups. Their persistence highlights the deep distrust of Mexican authorities’ willingness to bring the perpetrators to full justice.
Strengthening Border Security Through Terrorist Designations
The terrorist designation would align with President Trump’s broader border security strategy by providing additional legal tools to combat organizations that facilitate illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and violence along the southern border. Critics argue these designations may not significantly enhance the government’s existing capabilities to combat cartels, but supporters counter that the symbolic and legal weight of being classified alongside ISIS and Al-Qaeda sends a powerful deterrent message.
“Mexican cartels are criminal organizations that traffic in death and destruction, and they threaten the safety of families across the United States,” said Adriana Jones.
The families’ letter to Secretary Rubio emphasizes that this is not merely about seeking justice for past atrocities but about preventing future American casualties. “This is not just about our families, it is about keeping Americans safe and getting justice for all American victims and ensuring that no American is left behind,” the letter states. “We ask you to designate the Juárez Cartel and its armed wing La Línea, as FTOs, and keep sending a clear message that the United States will not tolerate the murder of innocent Americans or the terrorization of our communities.”
