U.S. Designates Brazilian Gangs Comando Vermelho and PCC as Terrorist Organizations

The United States has officially designated Brazil's powerful criminal factions, Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), as terrorist organizations. The announcement came just two days after Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro personally requested the designation from then-U.S. President Donald Trump during a visit to Washington.

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Their influence and illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil's borders, throughout our region and our country.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that these groups are "two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil," whose influence and illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil's borders into the wider region and the U.S. itself. The State Department's announcement classifies both CV and PCC as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), with a further classification as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) expected by June 5, 2026.

Collectively, these organizations command thousands of members and are responsible for brutal attacks against law enforcement, public officials, and civilians in Brazil. The "terrorist group" designation triggers a stringent sanctions regime, including the freezing of financial assets, a ban on visas for their members, and potential jail time for those providing material support. It also equips U.S. intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and the military with expanded tools to track, attack, and dismantle their operations.

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While Lula came to the White House to lobby on behalf of drug traffickers on his knees, I came to do the opposite.

Bolsonaro's meeting with Trump at the White House, framed as a counterpoint to then-President Lula da Silva's approach, was reportedly a key moment leading to this decision. Bolsonaro contrasted his stance with Lula's, stating, "While Lula came to the White House to lobby on behalf of drug traffickers on his knees, I came to do the opposite." The meeting fueled speculation about its political implications for Brazil's right-wing ahead of upcoming elections. This U.S. action contrasts with Lula da Silva's opposition to such a designation, which he viewed as interference in Brazilian politics. The designation also comes after a significant police operation in Rio de Janeiro's favelas in October 2025, targeting Comando Vermelho, which resulted in over 130 deaths.

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I am the opposite of Lula.