U.S. officials are considering designating Brazil’s First Capital Command and Red Command gangs as terrorist groups, a move driven by lobbying from the sons of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who are challenging President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in October elections. The gangs, which primarily ship cocaine to Europe, have drawn U.S. scrutiny despite limited direct ties to American security, raising concerns about political interference in Brazil’s elections.

The push aligns with the Trump administration’s history of using terror designations to justify sanctions and military actions in Latin America. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly urged Brazil’s foreign minister to adopt the labels after a March 8 meeting, though Brazil rejected the request. Critics warn the move could disrupt U.S.-Brazil relations, particularly as Lula’s government negotiates counter-money laundering measures with Washington. A Brazilian official warned the designation might enable unilateral U.S. sanctions on Brazilian banks or military interventions, echoing past controversies like the disputed 2023 Venezuela operation.

Bolsonaro allies Flávio and Eduardo have actively campaigned for the labels, framing the gangs as existential threats. Flávio, a senator and presidential candidate, presented a dossier on gang activities during a February visit to U.S. officials, including alleged arms trafficking. However, Brazilian officials argue drug trafficking isn’t classified as terrorism domestically, and yielding to U.S. pressure would contradict Lula’s anti-intervention stance. The State Department acknowledges the gangs are under review but has not finalized any decisions.

The controversy highlights tensions between U.S. counterterrorism strategies and Latin American sovereignty. While the gangs pose regional security risks, their minimal impact on U.S. soil complicates the case for a terror designation. Analysts suggest the move may be more about leveraging political capital than addressing immediate threats, risking backlash from Brazil’s left-wing coalition and global allies.