The United States and 14 Latin American and Caribbean governments issued a joint statement on September 22, 2026, under the name “Shield of the Americas,” designating 24 criminal groups as narcoterrorists, according to the Turkish report. The list reportedly includes Brazil’s two largest gangs, Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho. The report says the statement was prepared at President Donald Trump’s request; Brazil and Mexico were not among the signatories.
Background: Trump launched Shield of the Americas in Miami on March 7, 2026, with 12 heads of government, appointed former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as special envoy and called for the use of military force, including missile strikes, against cartels. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio unilaterally designated PCC and Comando Vermelho as foreign terrorist organisations on May 28; the decision took effect June 5 despite an objection from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Paraguay issued a similar decree on July 15, after a security operation in Rio that left 120 dead, according to the source report; Argentina had acted earlier.
Why it matters: A U.S. terrorist designation can enable asset freezes, financial sanctions and penalties for companies that provide support. Rio Times reported that Brazil woke up to “photos of its two largest gangs on a U.S.-backed list” and that foreign investors could face tighter compliance checks involving Brazilian partners. Brazil and Mexico’s absence from the statement highlights disagreement over who should define the region’s terrorist designations.
Other developments cited in the report: Argentine President Javier Milei addressed the UN on September 23; Argentina’s risk premium rose for seven consecutive days to 555 basis points as an IMF team visited Buenos Aires for the third review of a $20 billion programme. Bolivia legislated a $1.9 billion IMF loan. Turkey does not designate PCC or CV as terrorist organisations; Turkish companies would be affected only through U.S. sanctions lists.
Verified: Qatar News Agency reported the March summit, participating countries and Noem appointment. The May 28 U.S. decision and Rubio’s statement were published by the State Department; Paraguay’s decree was reported by Última Hora. Argentina’s risk premium and IMF story: Rio Times. Uncertainty: The September 22 joint statement, 15 signatures and 24 groups are based on a single source, Rio Times; the official statement and full signatory list were not available for review. Not available at publication: The full list of 24 groups and official explanations from Brazil and Mexico for not signing.