On November 17, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Cartel de los Soles, a criminal organization linked to the Venezuelan government, will be designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), effective November 24. This designation is part of a broader U.S. strategy to address issues related to the Venezuelan government under President Nicolás Maduro, whom Rubio referred to as a 'socialist dictator.'

According to the State Department, the Cartel de los Soles is allegedly led by Maduro and other high-ranking officials within his regime, which has been accused of corrupting state institutions, including the military and judiciary. The cartel is reportedly involved in drug trafficking and associated violence across the Americas, collaborating with other criminal organizations such as the Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel.

The designation will trigger a series of sanctions and blacklisting measures against cartel members in the United States. This action is being taken under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the State Department to designate foreign entities engaged in terrorist activities. The Cartel de los Soles had previously faced sanctions from the U.S. Treasury Department under Executive Order 13224, aimed at targeting terrorism and its supporters.

Rubio's statement highlighted the cartel's role in corrupting Venezuelan governance and its responsibility for violence and drug trafficking. The announcement coincided with President Trump's remarks about the U.S. commitment to combat drug trafficking from Venezuela and Mexico, suggesting potential discussions with Maduro regarding these issues.

The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford to U.S. Southern Command has raised concerns, with Maduro accusing the U.S. of escalating military tensions. The implications of this designation may extend to potential actions against Maduro's assets and infrastructure, reflecting a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Venezuela and its leadership. The designation may also hinder Maduro's ability to travel to the U.S., although he has previously attended events at the United Nations.

The Cartel de los Soles has its roots in drug trafficking activities initiated during the presidency of Hugo Chávez and operates as a decentralized network within the Venezuelan military. Recent reports suggest that Maduro has taken a more active role in the cartel's operations, which has been linked to ongoing U.S. military operations in the Caribbean aimed at curbing drug shipments.