The United States can use designation of foreign criminal organizations as terrorist organizations as a policy tool to increase pressure on associated foreign governments or officials.
November 17, 2025
high
temporal
Designating organizations as terrorist entities is a recognized instrument of state pressure in foreign policy.
The Trump administration described its operations against drug cartels as a 'non-international armed conflict' and characterized narcotics smuggled by cartels as causing tens of thousands of American deaths annually, framing such trafficking as an 'armed attack'.
October 26, 2025
high
legal/policy
Statement reflects a U.S. administration's legal and policy characterization of narcotics trafficking and related security operations.
As of 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can issue detainers for undocumented noncitizens and may assume custody of those individuals following completion of state prison sentences for further immigration proceedings.
January 01, 2024
high
temporal
Describes the typical ICE practice of issuing detainers and taking custody after a state sentence is served.
As of 2024, a 'sanctuary state' policy generally prohibits state or local law enforcement from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with immigration enforcement actions, such as complying with ICE detainers.
January 01, 2024
high
temporal
Defines the practical effect commonly associated with policies labeled as 'sanctuary' at the state level.