US designates Brazilian gangs as terrorists, sparking sovereignty row
The designation of the PCC and Comando Vermelho takes effect June 5, drawing sharp criticism from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his foreign affairs adviser, who cite risks to national sovereignty and potential diplomatic fallout.
The United States has formally designated two of Brazil’s largest criminal networks, the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and the Comando Vermelho, as terrorist organisations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the move on Thursday, stating that the groups have been assigned to the category of “Specially Designated Global Terrorists” under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The more restrictive “Foreign Terrorist Organization” label is scheduled to take effect on June 5.
Rubio stated that the designations aim to block the groups’ access to US assets and disrupt revenue streams funding what the administration describes as “violent narco-terrorists.” In a statement, the Secretary of State emphasised that the Trump administration would continue to use all available tools to protect US citizens and national security interests by keeping illicit drugs off American streets.
The decision has drawn immediate criticism from the Brazilian government. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has repeatedly attempted to dissuade the Trump administration from applying the label, citing concerns over foreign interference and infringement on Brazilian sovereignty. Lula’s foreign affairs adviser, Celso Amorim, warned that while international cooperation on money laundering and arms trade is welcome, the US must not use the designation as a pretext for intervention.
Political tensions are heightened by the timing of the announcement, which follows a meeting between President Donald Trump and Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro at the White House earlier this week. Bolsonaro reportedly petitioned for the designations, reinforcing his close ties with the Trump administration. This intervention occurs amidst a heated Brazilian presidential election, with polls showing Lula and Bolsonaro neck and neck in the race for October’s vote.
Critics argue that the designation could penalise financial institutions and victims facing extortion who come into contact with the listed groups. While Lula launched a $2 billion initiative in March to target the financial underpinnings of criminal networks, experts like sociologist Luis Flavio Sapori have argued that armed confrontation is ineffective. The designation adds a layer of diplomatic complexity to a domestic security crisis that has already seen significant casualties in recent police operations.
