The United States plans to designate Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, arguing it is led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and involves officials who have corrupted Venezuela’s military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary.

Senator Rubio catalogues the cartel alongside Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel as responsible for terrorist violence in the hemisphere and for drug trafficking targeting the U.S. and Europe.

Rubio reiterates U.S. claims that Maduro and top aides control the cartel and have corrupted key state institutions, framing it as part of a broader narco-terrorist network.

CNN reports on the development through Stefano Pozzebon and provides context on the tensions surrounding the designation.

Congress has seven days to review the designation after notification; if Congress does not act to block it, the designation takes effect and sanctions and entry restrictions for members and supporters are imposed.

The designation would become official once published in the Federal Register, with penalties including restrictions on U.S. persons providing support to the designated organization.

Former President Donald Trump has made contradictory statements on Venezuela policy, including mentions of potential covert actions and strikes, without committing to outright war against Maduro.

The announcement aligns with Trump’s broader rhetoric on stopping drug trafficking and with reports of U.S. military movements in the region, which Maduro has criticized as an escalation.

Sources cited include dpa and AFP, with reference to prior coverage on U.S. covert operations and CIA actions related to Venezuela.

The designation is pursued under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and will take effect upon Federal Register publication; the Cartel de los Soles had previously been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury under Executive Order 13224.

In parallel, the Treasury previously designated Cartel de los Soles as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization for providing material support to other drug cartels.

Venezuela rejects the U.S. military presence as a warning gesture amid rising Washington-Caracas tensions.