A. M. 
The United States Department of State announced this tuesday the designation of Barrio 18 como Organización Terrorista Extranjera (OTE) and a Terrorista Global Especialmente Designado (TGD), in a measure aimed at curbing the gang’s criminal and violent activity in the region.
The statement details that Barrio 18 is one of the largest criminal structures in the hemisphere and has perpetrated attacks against security personnel, public officials, and civilians in countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
“The United States will continue to protect our nation by keeping illicit drugs off our streets and disrupting the revenue streams that fund the violent and criminal activity of gangs and drug cartels”, the official statement said.
The measure reportedly responds to the U.S. administration’s commitment to dismantle both cartels and gangs that pose a security threat. These actions are being taken in compliance with Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224.
With publication in the Federal Register, the designation takes effect and constitutes a new step in the United States’ security strategy for the region.
