Brazil Advisor: U.S. Terrorist Label for Gangs Unacceptable Pretext for Intervention

Brazil's presidential advisor for International Affairs, Celso Amorim, has strongly criticized the United States' decision to designate two major Brazilian criminal factions as terrorist organizations. Amorim, a close confidant of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, stated that while international cooperation is welcome, using such designations as a "pretext for intervention is unacceptable."

The U.S. State Department announced it would list Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) starting June 5, 2026. The U.S. cited the groups as "the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil" with influence extending across the continent and into the U.S. This move signals a tougher U.S. stance on transnational organized crime, potentially leading to financial sanctions and travel restrictions for members and associates.

The timing of the U.S. announcement is notable, occurring just days after Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a political rival of President Lula, met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former President Donald Trump. During these meetings, Bolsonaro reportedly advocated for Washington to label the two Brazilian groups as "narcoterrorist" organizations. The Brazilian government has expressed apprehension that the U.S. designation could be used to justify military intervention on Brazilian soil, highlighting the sensitive geopolitical implications of the decision.

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The security of the public is a fundamental issue for socioeconomic development. Organized crime is an evil that must be fought. International cooperation is welcome, especially on issues like money laundering and arms smuggling. A pretext for intervention is unacceptable.