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The United States government has designated the Cartel de los Soles, a criminal organization based in Venezuela and led by President Nicolás Maduro, as a global terrorist group.
The Cartel de los Soles, also known as the Cartel of the Suns, is facing sanctions from the U.S. for its support of foreign terrorist organizations, such as the violent Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, as stated in a press release from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
“Today’s action sheds light on the Maduro regime’s involvement in narco-terrorism by working with groups like the Cartel de los Soles,” remarked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a statement.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro parades in a military vehicle during celebrations for Independence Day in Caracas on July 5, 2025. (Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images)
“The Treasury Department remains committed to President Donald Trump’s directive of prioritizing America’s interests by cracking down on violent organizations like Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and their associates, such as the Cartel de los Soles.”
An armed group of nine suspected Tren de Aragua gang members captured on camera causing chaos at a Colorado apartment complex on June 9. (Aurora Police)
The Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, engages in various criminal activities, including human trafficking and illegal drug trade. The Sinaloa Cartel, a notorious Mexican cartel, is known for trafficking drugs like fentanyl into the United States, according to the Treasury Department.
SINALOA CARTEL LEADERS CHARGED WITH NARCO-TERRORISM AFTER AUTHORITIES SEIZE 1.65 TONS OF FENTANYL
In a recent announcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration stated that it is seeking information that could lead to the apprehension and conviction of Maduro, Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace Diosdado Cabello Rondón, and Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino López.
A member of the Mexican Army stands guard in the area where two members of a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel were detained during an operation by Mexican federal authorities in Culiacan, Mexico, on February 19, 2025. (Reuters/Jesus Bustamante)
In January, the U.S. raised the reward to $25 million for information leading to the capture and/or conviction of Maduro. The U.S. has not recognized Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela since 2019.
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In May, the U.S. advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Venezuela and its border areas. The U.S. Department of State cautioned against travel to Venezuela due to significant risks, including arbitrary detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, legal uncertainties, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare facilities.
