Key facts
- U.S. designated Brazil's Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) as foreign terrorist organizations.
- Brazilian officials fear the designation will halt daily intelligence sharing and joint operations.
- There is concern the designation could lead to U.S. military or covert actions in Brazil.
- National Public Security Secretary Chico Lucas stated Brazil will not allow foreign intervention.
- Federal police director-general Andrei Rodrigues called the decision a 'political decision'.
The United States has designated two major Brazilian criminal organizations, Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), as foreign terrorist organizations. Brazilian sources indicate this move risks derailing crucial cooperation between the two countries in combating drug and arms trafficking. Officials in Brazil are concerned that the designation could lead to the cessation of daily intelligence sharing and joint operations, potentially interrupting probes handled by the FBI, DEA, and U.S. immigration authorities. There is also apprehension that this could pave the way for potential U.S. military or covert actions within Brazil, similar to operations in Venezuela and against Mexican cartels. National Public Security Secretary Chico Lucas stated that Brazil will not allow any form of foreign intervention. Federal police director-general Andrei Rodrigues described the decision as a 'political decision' and emphasized the need to expand internal integration and cooperation with all countries. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously described the gangs as among Brazil's 'most violent criminal organizations.' President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had attempted to avert the move, fearing it could allow interventions and sanctions.