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Terrorist-Organizations

The Trump Administration Designates Several Cartels as Terrorist Organizations

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services on Terrorist Organizations:

The Trump administration designated eight Latin American cartels as terrorist organizations on Thursday, a designation typically reserved for groups with political goals achieved through violence.

The U.S. Department of State filed the notice of the designation in The Federal Register on February 20. The action targets the following cartels:

  • Cartel del Golfo (CDG), also known as the Gulf Cartel and the Osiel Cárdenas-Guillén Organization
  • Cartel del Noreste (CDN), also known as the Northeast Cartel and Los Zetas
  • Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), also known as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel
  • Cartel de Sinaloa, also known as the Sinaloa Cartel, the Mexican Federation, and the Guadalajara Cartel
  • Carteles Unidos, also known as United Cartels, Tepalcatepec Cartel, Cartel de Tepalcatepec, the Grandfather Cartel, Cartel del Abuelo, and Cartel de Los Reyes
  • La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM)
  • Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
  • Tren de Aragua (Aragua Train)

The eight cartels’ members are described as “foreign persons who have committed or attempted to commit, pose a significant risk of committing, or have participated in training to commit acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States,” according to the State Department filing.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 20, 2025). United States Designates 8 Cartels as Terrorist Organizations. Security Management Magazine.



Security Protection

Executive Security Protection: Risks, Extremist Influencers, Shifting Tactics

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services on Security Protection:

Concerns about executive safety remain high. Not only was UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson tragically killed in December 2024, but there have also been multiple other incidents involving threats against business executives. Additionally, social media influencers and other sources have incited calls for similar attacks.

High-level executives without an executive security protection (EP) team are increasingly vulnerable to becoming targets.

The heightened emotional climate surrounding politics and public figures has made executive protection more challenging—and more essential. Politically motivated threats were notably higher in 2024. More than 50 members of Congress were victims of swatting attacks, and 700 members had faced threats the previous month. (Many threats were not publicly reported, so they are not included in TorchStone’s official threat count.)

Tactics are also evolving. Threat incidents are now categorized as verbal or written threats, harassment, stalking, physical attacks, and other crimes, which may include financially motivated offenses such as robberies, home invasions, and property crimes.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 5, 2025). EP Trends: Residential Risks, Extremist Influencers, Shifting Tactics. Security Management Magazine.



Workplace Violence Poses Significant Risks to the Well-Being of Workers

Workplace Violence Poses Significant Risks to the Well-Being of Workers

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Workplace violence poses serious risks to both employee well-being and business health, leading to decreased employee engagement and significant losses in productivity, profit, and retention. As workplace tensions rise, employees are feeling the strain. With political polarization at an all-time high, fostering respectful dialogue and creating inclusive work environments will be essential for maintaining business continuity in the coming year.

Leaders must confront workplace incivility head-on and actively promote a culture of respect and inclusion to safeguard both their employees’ well-being and their organization’s long-term success.

 

Source:
Popera, A. (2024, Dec 18). The Cost of Incivility: Addressing Workplace Challenges into 2025. SHRM.org.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


Security Protection: Conflict, Confusion & Chaos

Security Protection: Conflict, Confusion & Chaos

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

By 2025, emerging “rogue actors” will operate with increasing impunity as countries fragment—geographically, ethnically, and ideologically. Established political parties, both left and right, are in systemic decline, steadily losing primary vote shares to insurgent candidates and parties across the political spectrum.

For security professionals, the message is clear: the landscape is becoming more complex. However, with the right tools and strategies, it’s still possible to manage risks and seize opportunities. Technology will play a crucial role in identifying incidents, delivering personalized risk information, and supporting the fieldwork, local knowledge, and analysis provided by risk professionals.

The most resilient organizations in this fragmenting world will combine advanced technology with “human-in-the-loop” strategies, enabling better decision-making in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

Source:
(2025, Jan 06). An Era of Conflict: Navigating a ‘Fragmenting World’ in 2025. Security & Business Resilience.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


Why Does the Public Feel Unsafe and Have No Privacy?

Why Does the Public Feel Unsafe and Have No Rights?

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

People want to feel safe without the discomfort of being constantly monitored, which presents a challenge for security leaders who must continue prioritizing safety while respecting privacy.

Privacy Concerns:

Modern individuals place a high value on privacy and often feel uneasy when security measures appear overly focused on surveillance, such as excessive camera monitoring or intrusive personal checks.

Subtle Security:

Security leaders must focus on methods that provide protection without being overtly noticeable. By doing so, they can create a more comfortable experience for individuals while still ensuring safety.

Creative Solutions:

This can involve the use of technology such as smart sensors that activate only when necessary, discreet security personnel, or designing spaces in a way that naturally promotes safety without feeling oppressive or invasive.

Source:
(2025, Jan 09). Navigating Surveillance: Balancing Security and Privacy. Security Magazine.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


How Security Is Shaping the Cannabis Industry

How Security Is Shaping the Cannabis Industry

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

A surveillance system can help protect your business from theft, particularly employee theft, which is a widespread issue in the cannabis industry. For large outdoor growing operations, having a monitoring system in place provides peace of mind by securing your property from all angles at all times.

Source:
Baxter, K. (2025, January 13). How security is shaping the cannabis industry. Security InfoWatch.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Security Protection to Ensure the Safety and Well-Being of Students

Security Protection to Ensure the Safety and Well-Being of Students

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

To ensure the safety and well-being of students, security protection should encompass both physical measures—such as secured perimeters, surveillance systems, and controlled access points—and proactive approaches, including anti-bullying policies, mental health support, positive student-teacher relationships, and comprehensive emergency response plans. All of this should be implemented while fostering a safe and inclusive school environment.

Source:
Intelligent Security for Safer Schools. Security InfoWatch (January 2, 2025).

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Active Shooter Situations: Handling Conflicts & De-Escalation Tactics

Active Shooter Situations: Handling Conflicts & De-Escalation Tactics

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Active Shooter Situation

A violent altercation at an AutoZone auto parts store on Broadway in Newburgh, Orange County, left one man dead from a gunshot wound and another injured from stab wounds.

Frank Costa, NEXGEN Protection Services

NEXGEN Protection offers 24/7 security for your business with armed guards trained to protect and de-escalate conflicts. Our team of professional, armed guards is rigorously trained and experienced in handling complex security challenges, ensuring safety, peace of mind, and compliance with regulations.

Two men were injured—one sustained stab wounds, while the other was shot. Officers immediately rendered medical aid to both individuals. The man with stab wounds was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, while the man with the gunshot wound was pronounced dead at the scene.

Acquire the necessary skills to survive an active shooter incident.

Acquire the necessary skills to survive an active shooter incident.

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

The A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to survive an active shooter incident. Its emphasis on situational awareness and decision-making makes it a practical and effective approach to active shooter situations. By empowering individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and others, the program can help prevent tragedies and save lives.

A.L.I.V.E. stands for Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose. These are the steps that anyone can take to more effectively respond should you ever be confronted with an active shooter situation, terrorist attack, violent attacker in the workplace, and other potentially deadly events.

 

SOURCE: 

Lasky, S. Staying A.L.I.V.E. During Active Shooter Incidents with Michael Julian, Security Info Watch Magazine, 112/27/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Conduct Vulnerability Assessments to Mitigate Violent Threats

Conduct Threat & Vulnerability Assessments to Mitigate Violent Acts

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot Wednesday morning in what authorities described as a ‘deliberate and targeted attack’ outside a Manhattan hotel hosting the health insurer’s investor conference.

The rise in violent incidents within the healthcare industry can often be traced back to personal frustrations with healthcare decisions, such as claim denials or unsuccessful procedures. These experiences can trigger strong emotional reactions, leading some individuals to express their anger through violent behavior. 

To mitigate these risks, healthcare organizations should conduct regular threat and vulnerability assessments using data-driven tools to identify exposures. Implementing layered security measures, such as access control systems, surveillance and secure office environments, can significantly enhance safety.

 

SOURCE: 

Bosch, R. Targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO raises executive protection questions, Security Info Watch Magazine, 12/4/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats