The Canadian federal government has designated seven criminal groups as terrorist organizations. The list includes five Mexican drug cartels and two street gangs. The move comes in response to threats of trade tariffs from the United States.

Mexican Drug Cartels:
1. Sinaloa Cartel – One of the largest drug cartels in the world, operating in 47 countries, including Canada.
2. CJNG – Notorious for its brutality, uses drones in its attacks.
3. Cárteles Unidos – An alliance of several groups waging war against the CJNG.
4. Colombia Cartel – Drug and arms trafficking in northern Mexico.
5. La Familia Michoacana – Operating in the Mexico City area, known for its brutality.

Street gangs:
1. Tren de Aragua (Venezuela) – involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and contract killings.
2. Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) (El Salvador) – has become a paramilitary group that kills law enforcement and government officials.

In Canada, these groups are involved in money laundering, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, collaborating with local organized crime groups. The decision to recognize them as terrorist organizations was made on February 3, 2025, following negotiations between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Donald Trump.