Senator Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that he has designated Los Tiguerones, an Ecuador-based gang, as a foreign terrorist organization and a specially designated global terrorist group. Rubio stated that the gang is linked to narcotrafficking and criminal activities that target law enforcement and civilians.
"Los Tiguerones is yet another Ecuadorian gang helping Mexican cartels move and export illicit drugs to fund terrorism and criminal activity including attacks against civilians, law enforcement, and journalists," Rubio said in a post on X. He also attributed the group's responsibility for the live takeover of an Ecuadorian television station in 2024.
The designation comes shortly after Rubio designated three other groups—Los Lobos, Los Choneros, and a third unnamed organization—as terrorist organizations in July.
"They're not ordinary. These are violent, bloodthirsty terrorist organizations. And we have to make sure that we continue to pursue them," Rubio stated.
The announcement was made during Rubio's visit to Quito, Ecuador, where he was engaged in a three-nation tour aimed at strengthening economic and security ties with Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. He met with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Roberto Kury and other officials at the U.S. Embassy in Quito during his visit.