The Trump administration proposed classifying Brazil's criminal factions Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) as terrorist organizations, sparking debates on international cooperation and sovereignty. Brazilian officials differ: Governor Tarcísio de Freitas sees an opportunity for intelligence integration, while President Lula seeks alternatives to prevent interventions. The initiative is part of a broader plan against transnational crime in Latin America.
On March 5, 2026, the Trump administration launched a proposal for joint work with Latin American countries to combat drug cartels, initially excluding Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia from a meeting with 16 nations. Two days later, it presented the Escudo das Américas program. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated: "The United States are ready to deal with these threats and go on the offensive alone if necessary. But our preference is that we do everything together with you".
A Trump administration note on March 10 described PCC and CV as significant threats to regional security due to drug trafficking, violence, and transnational crime. A UOL report indicated that Washington decided to classify them as terrorists. The State Department prefers calling them a regional security threat, without ruling out the terrorist designation.
São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) supported the idea on March 11, during a Metro event: "We see this as an opportunity. From the moment a government like the United States views the PCC as a terrorist organization, which they are, it becomes easier, opening cooperation so we can integrate intelligence, bring financial resources, and make the fight even more effective".
Critics, as in a Folha opinion, argue that equating organized crime to terrorism is a conceptual error, as these groups lack clear political or ideological objectives, unlike terrorists. This could expand mechanisms like asset freezes and visa restrictions, but risk national sovereignty, citing interventions in Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro was arrested in New York.
Since March 9, President Lula (PT) has held meetings to propose cooperation focused on organized crime, fearing openings for U.S. interventions and political exploitation by bolsonarists. Trump administration members consider it insufficient, claiming Lula protects the factions. The debate in the U.S. gained momentum in 2025, influenced by Eduardo Bolsonaro. Concerns include impacts on Brazil's economy and Pix, criticized by U.S. credit card companies.
In November 2025, Chamber President Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) blocked a bill to equate factions to terrorists in the PL Antifação.
