FBI Expands Terror Watch List Amid New Cartel and Gang Designations

The FBI, responding to directives under the Trump administration, has encouraged law enforcement to submit names linked to drug cartels and gangs to the U.S. terrorist watch list. New designations of these groups as foreign terrorist organizations could significantly increase the list's size, raising concerns from civil liberties advocates.

The FBI has urged local police departments to submit names of individuals connected to drug cartels and gangs to be added to the U.S. terrorist watch list, according to documents reviewed by Reuters.

This guidance follows President Trump's decision to designate particular groups as foreign terrorist organizations, significantly impacting how law enforcement responds to these crimes.

Civil rights advocates have expressed concerns about the accuracy and potential abuses stemming from a swelling watch list linked to questionable evidence and significant civil liberties implications.

(With inputs from agencies.)