as terrorist organizations, despite opposition from Brasilia. "CV and PCC are two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. "Their influence and illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil's borders, across our region and into our country." "Together, they command thousands of members and have orchestrated brutal attacks against Brazilian police officers, public officials and civilians," Rubio said. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made clear his opposition to this measure, which has broad legal implications in the United States.

The leftist leader's main rival in upcoming elections, conservative Flavio Bolsonaro, has supported the designation. Bolsonaro met with US President Donald Trump earlier this week. The US began designating criminal gangs -- such as Mexico's Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, and Venezuela's Tren de Aragua -- as terrorists when Trump entered office in January 2025. In the Trump administration's view, the terrorist label makes it legally possible to undertake broader action -- law enforcement, intelligence and counterinsurgency efforts -- against the groups, their leaders and interests worldwide. Countries such as Mexico and Brazil, with center-left leaders, have been vocal in opposing the designations, while others like Ecuador and Honduras, helmed by right-leaning governments, have supported them. (Bssnews)