The United States administration has reclassified foreign drug cartels and criminal gangs as "non-state armed groups" or "unlawful combatants," a term originating in the Bush era used to deny suspected terrorists protections under the Geneva Conventions. This shift effectively transforms drug enforcement from a law enforcement issue into a military one, allowing the U.S. military to directly target these organizations within the Western Hemisphere.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data shows an increase in drug seizures, rising from over 43,000 pounds in the eight months before recent strikes to nearly 48,000 pounds between September and April. Despite this, violence persists, particularly in Rio de Janeiro's favelas, where armed gangs control territories and engage in frequent clashes.

Fabio Serra, known as Sagat B., a former gang member who served 12 years in prison before leaving crime, describes the situation in Rio de Janeiro as dominated by three main factions. He explains, "We have a lot of guns but mainly to fight each other over territory. If the police come, we'll only fight them if there's no other choice—the exchange of gunfire is to cover our escape."

The violence in Brazil has escalated to resemble conventional warfare, with territory changing hands and armed lookouts patrolling the hills. Following attacks in Sao Paulo, police death squads allegedly executed over 500 people, including innocent bystanders from impoverished neighborhoods.

Experts note that criminal organizations like the PCC and Red Command prioritize European and West African markets over the U.S., suggesting that the impact of U.S. policy changes on these groups may be limited internationally.

This reclassification and militarization of drug enforcement raise concerns about blurring the lines between criminal justice and war, with potential implications for civil liberties and international law.

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