The decision by the United States government to classify the First Command of the Capital (PCC) and the Red Command (CV) as terrorist organizations has reignited a debate that had already passed through the National Congress months before. The topic gained prominence after Senator Flávio Bolsonaro celebrated this Thursday (28) the measure adopted by the Donald Trump administration and stated that he had defended the classification of the factions during his recent visit to Washington.
However, the episode brought to light the progress of the so-called Anti-Faction Bill, a proposal that discussed a similar topic in the Brazilian Congress and ended up rejecting the classification of factions as terrorist organizations.
The debate passed through the Senate.
The discussion took place at the end of 2025 during the analysis of the project known as the Anti-Faction Bill.
At the time, the Senate evaluated an amendment presented by Senator Eduardo Girão that proposed granting legal treatment similar to that given to terrorism to armed criminal factions, militias, and organizations considered ultra-violent.
The proposal was ultimately rejected by the majority of parliamentarians. Among those who supported the measure were senators linked to the conservative camp, such as Carlos Portinho, Sergio Moro, Damares Alves, and Eduardo Girão himself.
Absence from crucial vote
According to the report by Folha de S. PaulFlávio Bolsonaro did not participate in person in the stage where the amendment was rejected, nor did he speak during the specific debate on equating criminal factions with terrorism.
When questioned later, the senator stated that he was following the session remotely and that the vote was symbolic, without sufficient time to register his position in the plenary session.
The congressman's press office emphasized that his position is one of "zero tolerance" against criminal organizations and advocated for strict measures to combat these factions.
Trump's decision
The topic returned to the spotlight after Flávio Bolsonaro's visit to the United States.
During the trip, the senator met with Donald Trump and the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. A few days later, Washington officially announced the inclusion of the PCC and Comando Vermelho on US lists of terrorist organizations.
The measure was celebrated by the congressman and allies of the PL party, who see electoral potential in hardening the discourse on public safety and combating organized crime.
Government sees risks
The government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva adopted a position contrary to the classification promoted by the United States.
The assessment from the Presidential Palace is that the appointment could open the door to interpretations related to foreign intervention, in addition to generating potential impacts on Brazilian companies and the national financial system.
During the processing of the Anti-Faction Bill, similar arguments were presented by the bill's rapporteur in the Senate, Alessandro Vieira. The parliamentarian stated that classifying criminal organizations as terrorist could open the door to international sanctions and create consequences that would go beyond the direct fight against criminals.
The topic should be included in the campaign.
With the 2026 presidential elections approaching, the issue is likely to gain even more relevance in the political debate.
While sectors of the opposition advocate classifying the factions as terrorist organizations and celebrate the United States' decision, members of the government are betting on the narrative of defending national sovereignty and Brazilian autonomy in the fight against organized crime.
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