Ecuador's Tiguerones Criminal Gang Designated as Foreign Terrorist Organization by U.S.

Ecuador's Tiguerones criminal gang has been officially designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity by the United States. The designation, announced on September 9, 2026, during Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Quito, underscores the group's escalating influence in drug trafficking and violent activities within Ecuador.

Founded by an ex-prison guard as a splinter faction from the Choneros prison mafia in Guayaquil, the Tiguerones have rapidly risen to prominence over the past few years. The gang is deeply rooted in the northwestern city of Esmeraldas and its diaspora communities in other parts of Ecuador, particularly Guayaquil. Since breaking away from the Choneros, the Tiguerones have established a reputation for extreme violence and are now considered one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in Ecuador.

The U.S. designation highlights several key aspects of the Tiguerones' operations. The group is involved in retail drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, and provides logistical support to transnational drug trafficking networks. Additionally, they have been linked to numerous violent incidents, including kidnappings and murders that terrorize local communities and target law enforcement officials and journalists.

The inclusion of the Tiguerones on the U.S. FTO list places them alongside other notorious Ecuadorian criminal groups such as the Choneros, Lobos, and Chone Killers. This move is part of a broader strategy by the United States to combat organized crime in Latin America through diplomatic and legal means.

The designation will likely have significant implications for the Tiguerones' operations both within Ecuador and internationally. It could lead to increased pressure from international law enforcement agencies, potentially disrupting their drug trafficking networks and financial resources. The move also signals a growing concern among U.S. officials about the threat posed by criminal organizations like the Tiguerones to regional stability.

The announcement comes at a time when Ecuador is grappling with rising crime rates and the expansion of criminal networks that threaten public safety and economic development. President Donald Trump's administration has been actively working with Latin American governments to address these challenges, including through increased cooperation on intelligence sharing and joint operations aimed at dismantling criminal organizations.

As the Tiguerones continue to expand their reach and influence, both domestically and internationally, the U.S. designation serves as a stark warning of the severe consequences facing those involved in such activities. The move is expected to bolster efforts by Ecuadorian authorities to combat the group's activities and may encourage greater international collaboration in tackling organized crime in the region.

This development marks a significant escalation in the fight against criminal organizations operating in Latin America, reflecting the growing recognition of the interconnected nature of drug trafficking networks across national borders.