Trump administration labels Haitian gangs as international terrorist organizations

[ad_1] Haiti sees worsening gang violence The UN warns a disaster in Haiti is escalating as gang violence throughout the nation continues to worsen. (Video courtesy of AP, thumb courtesy of Reuters)

The Trump administration on Friday formally designated two of Haiti’s strongest gang networks, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, international terrorist organizations (FTOs) and specifically designated world terrorists (SDGTs).

The transfer is aimed toward disrupting the gangs' operations and supporting efforts to revive order within the troubled Caribbean nation .

The announcement was made in a proper assertion from Secretary of State Marco Rubio , who declared that "the age of impunity for these supporting violence in Haiti is over."

"These gangs have killed and proceed attacking the folks of Haiti, Haitian safety forces and multinational safety assist (MSS) mission personnel and are dedicated to overthrowing the federal government of Haiti," Rubio stated. "Their final objective is making a gang-controlled state the place illicit trafficking and different felony actions function freely and terrorize Haitian residents."

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The designations deliver critical authorized penalties. People or entities that present materials assist to Viv Ansanm or Gran Grif might face felony expenses, loss of immigration benefits or removing from the U.S.

Viv Ansanm fashioned in September 2023 by way of an alliance between Haiti’s two most important gang factions, G-9 and G-Pép. The coalition has carried out coordinated assaults on Haitian infrastructure, together with prisons, authorities buildings and the Port-au-Prince worldwide airport. These assaults have been a part of a broader marketing campaign that helped drive the resignation of former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

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A person carrying his belongings observes burned automobiles after gang violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Dec. 9, 2024. (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol)

Gran Grif operates primarily within the Artibonite area, an important agricultural space. The State Department stated the gang has been accountable for 80% of civilian loss of life reviews in that space since 2022. In February 2025, Gran Grif was linked to an assault that killed a Kenyan officer with the MSS mission.

In line with NPR reporting from 2024, Viv Ansanm was spearheaded by Jimmy Chérizier, often known as Barbecue, a former police officer turned gang chief.

Chérizier helped unify rival gangs beneath a shared objective of opposing the Haitian authorities. In an interview with NPR, he defended the gang’s actions and blamed Haiti’s political elite for fostering the lawlessness. Although he acknowledged the violence, he claimed the federal government had enabled the circumstances resulting in it.

A lady carries her belongings as she flees armed gang violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Dec. 9, 2024. (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol)

"These designations play a vital position in our struggle in opposition to these vicious teams and are an efficient solution to curtail assist for his or her terrorist actions," Rubio stated. He additionally warned that U.S. residents and lawful residents who have interaction in transactions with these teams are exposing themselves to sanctions and prosecution.

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Rubio praised the Haitian Nationwide Police and worldwide companions for his or her efforts in pushing again in opposition to the gangs. "We commend the extraordinary bravery of the Haitian Nationwide Police and all worldwide companions supporting the MSS mission for his or her ongoing efforts to determine stability and safety in Haiti," he stated.

He referred to as on Haitian political leaders to concentrate on restoring peace.

"We urge all of Haiti’s political leaders to prioritize the safety of the Haitian folks, discover options to cease the violence and make progress towards the restoration of democracy by way of free and truthful elections," Rubio stated.