U.S. Government Designates Haitian Gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations in Effort to Combat Violence

U.S. Government Designates Haitian Gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations in Effort to Combat Violence

The U.S. government has officially classified two influential Haitian gang networks, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation, announced on Friday, aims to disrupt the operations of these gangs and support ongoing efforts to restore order in Haiti.

In a formal statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the significance of this action, stating that the previous era of impunity for those who enable violence in Haiti has ended. Rubio remarked, “These gangs have killed and continue attacking the people of Haiti, Haitian security forces, and personnel involved in multinational security support missions. Their primary goal is to establish a gang-controlled state where criminal activities flourish and terrorize innocent citizens.”

Legal Repercussions of the Designation

The implications of these designations are severe. Individuals or organizations that offer material support to Viv Ansanm or Gran Grif now face potential criminal charges. Furthermore, they risk losing immigration benefits or being deported from the United States.

The Rise of Viv Ansanm

Viv Ansanm emerged in September 2023 following an alliance between Haiti’s two primary gang factions, G-9 and G-Pép. This coalition has executed coordinated assaults on critical Haitian infrastructure. Targets have included prisons, government buildings, and even the Port-au-Prince international airport. These attacks are part of a broader strategy that led to the resignation of former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Gran Grif’s Dominance in Artibonite

Gran Grif primarily operates in the Artibonite region, a crucial agricultural zone. The State Department reports that this gang is responsible for a staggering 80% of civilian death reports in that area since 2022. Notably, in February 2025, Gran Grif was involved in an incident that resulted in the death of a Kenyan officer associated with the multinational security mission.

Leadership and Motivation Behind the Gangs

According to reports from NPR in 2024, Viv Ansanm is led by Jimmy Chérizier, who is better known as Barbecue. A former police officer turned gang leader, Chérizier united rival gangs with a common objective of opposing Haiti’s government. In his conversation with NPR, he criticized the political elite for creating a landscape of lawlessness in Haiti. Although he did not deny the violence associated with his group, he argued that the government had set the stage for such turmoil.

Impact of Designations on Terrorist Activities

Rubio underscored the importance of these designations in the broader fight against these dangerous organizations. He noted that targeting the financial and operational support for these gangs represents an effective strategy for curtailing their terrorist activities. Rubio also cautioned U.S. citizens and lawful residents who engage in financial transactions with these gangs. They may inadvertently expose themselves to sanctions or legal prosecution.

Supporting the Security Forces

In his statement, Rubio praised the Haitian National Police and international partners for their crucial roles in countering the gang menace. He acknowledged their bravery, stating, “We commend the extraordinary courage of the Haitian National Police and all international partners involved in the multinational security support mission for their ongoing efforts to promote stability and security in Haiti.”

A Call for Political Leadership

Furthermore, Rubio urged Haitian political leaders to concentrate on restoring peace. He emphasized the need for security and the importance of finding solutions to end the violence. In a powerful appeal, he stated, “We urge all of Haiti’s political leaders to prioritize the security of the Haitian people, seek solutions to halt the violence, and work toward restoring democracy through free and fair elections.”

Next Steps for the Haitian Government

As the situation in Haiti remains volatile, these designations by the U.S. government signal a tough stance against the gangs wreaking havoc on the nation. The effectiveness of this measure in curbing gang violence will depend on transparency and cooperation among international allies, particularly as Haiti’s political landscape continues to evolve.

While the State Department has not yet responded to requests for further comments, the conversation surrounding the government’s strategy for addressing violence in Haiti is more urgent than ever. The hope is that through collaborative efforts, the country can work toward a more stable and secure future.