Story perspectives

US to Terror-List Brazil Gangs, Aiming to Cut Drug Funds

5/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Flavio Bolsonaro asked President Donald Trump to label Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho as terrorist groups, prompting the United States to set a Foreign Terrorist Organization listing for June 5.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the designations aim to disrupt drug trafficking and cut revenue.
Lula’s foreign policy adviser Celso Amorim warned the designations must not justify intervention, noting the State Department says they enable asset freezes.

History

Historical Context

After the September 2001 U.S. designation of al-Qaeda as a Foreign Terrorist Organization—prompting OFAC to freeze about $2 billion in assets—countries expanded anti-terrorism financing laws and lists. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro now asks President Trump to apply the same designation to Brazil’s Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho, aiming to enable sanctions and asset freezes.

1 of 2

Story summary

Senator Flavio Bolsonaro asked President Donald Trump to label Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho as terrorist groups, prompting the United States to set a Foreign Terrorist Organization listing for June 5.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the designations aim to disrupt drug trafficking and cut revenue.
Lula’s foreign policy adviser Celso Amorim warned the designations must not justify intervention, noting the State Department says they enable asset freezes.

1 / 2