Caught Off Guard, Brazil Assesses Impact of Latin American Decision on PCC and CV - 23/09/2026 - World - Folha de S.Paulo

The Brazilian government is assessing a statement issued by the Shield of the Americas alliance, which brings together Latin American countries with right-wing governments and supports the US decision to designate the PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations.

Brazilian diplomats were unaware that the document was being considered and were caught off guard by the statement, issued on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The document provides for measures such as asset freezes, visa restrictions and criminal liability for anyone who provides material support to the groups.

A sector consulted on condition of anonymity said it was not surprised by the decision and considers its collateral effects to be limited, citing Argentine President Javier Milei, who had already referred to groups of this type as narco-terrorist organizations. The concern is the use of force in the region.

The initiative draws attention because of its political timing: it comes just weeks before Brazil’s elections, amid tensions between Brasília and Washington, and is backed by countries aligned with Donald Trump, who said he was "with you until the end" and highlighted his support for electoral victories in the region.