While on a three‑nation tour of Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio used his stop in Quito to announce a new national security designation. Rubio said the Ecuadorian criminal organization known as Los Tiguerones has been added to the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations and is now a specially designated global terrorist.
Why the designation matters
Rubio explained that Los Tiguerones has deep ties to Mexican drug cartels and uses the proceeds from narcotrafficking to fund violent activities. “Los Tiguerones is yet another Ecuadorian gang helping Mexican cartels move and export illicit drugs to fund terrorism and criminal activity including attacks against civilians, law enforcement, and journalists,” he wrote in a post on X.
The group’s criminal portfolio, according to the State Department, includes funding armed assaults on police officers, intimidation of journalists, and a high‑profile seizure of an Ecuadorian television station in 2024. By labeling the organization as a terrorist entity, the United States can impose stricter financial sanctions, restrict the group’s ability to move money through the international banking system, and enhance cooperation with regional partners to disrupt its operations.
Context of recent designations
The Los Tiguerones designation follows a series of similar actions taken earlier this year. In July, the State Department added three other Ecuadorian groups—Los Lobos, Los Choneros and a third unnamed organization—to the terrorist list. Rubio emphasized that these groups are “not ordinary” and described them as “violent, bloodthirsty terrorist organizations.” He urged continued vigilance and collaboration among the three nations on the tour to combat transnational crime.
Regional response
Ecuadorian officials welcomed the U.S. move, noting that it aligns with Quito’s own efforts to curb organized crime and protect democratic institutions. The designation is expected to bolster ongoing investigations and provide additional legal tools for Ecuadorian law‑enforcement agencies.
Rubio’s visit also included meetings with senior officials in Peru and Colombia, where discussions focused on strengthening economic ties and expanding joint security initiatives. The broader tour underscores the administration’s commitment to a coordinated approach to drug trafficking, human smuggling, and related violent threats that affect the Western Hemisphere.
What comes next
With the terrorist designation in place, the United States can now pursue asset freezes, travel bans and other punitive measures against members of Los Tiguerones. The State Department indicated that it will continue to monitor the group’s activities and work with regional partners to dismantle its networks.
Rubio concluded his remarks by reaffirming the United States’ resolve to protect civilians, uphold the rule of law, and support the sovereignty of its allies in the face of organized‑crime‑driven terrorism.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
