The U.S Secretary of State, Marco Rubio announced the designations of Los Choneros and Los Lobos as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
According to Secretary Rubio, both Los Choneros and Los Lobos have attacked and threatened public officials and their families, security personnel, judges, prosecutors, and journalists in Ecuador.
The two organizations, Los Choneros and Los Lobos are linked to the United States designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) Cártel de Sinaloa and Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación.
Their ultimate goal is to control drug trafficking routes through Ecuador by terrorizing and inflicting brutal violence on the Ecuadorian people.
Los Choneros is reported to be an organized crime syndicate which first emerged in the Manabí Province of Ecuador. The gang is involved in organized crime, including drug trafficking, extortion, and robbery.
On the other hand, the Los Lobos, or ‘The Wolves,’ is an Ecuadorian criminal organization which initially broke away from Los Choneros. It specializes in drug trafficking and working as hitmen for international partners or allied groups.
A statement from the U.S Department of State reveals that in July, 2025 the Ecuadorian and United States authorities cooperated to banish the leader of Los Choneros, Fito Macias, who was the first Ecuadorian citizen extradited from Ecuador to face justice in North America.
“The United States, in partnership with Ecuador and its President Daniel Noboa, will continue to protect our two nations by keeping illicit drugs off our streets and disrupting the revenue streams funding drug cartels’ terrorism and criminal activity,” reads part of the statement from the department.
“Today’s action further demonstrates the Trump Administration’s unwavering commitment to eliminating cartels and ensuring the safety of all the American people!”
The actions applied against the organizations are taken pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224.
Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register.