Trump Administration Adopts Tough Stance on Haitian Violence, Designates Gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

On Friday, the Trump administration officially designated two of Haiti’s most notorious gang networks, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and specially designated global terrorists (SDGTs). This significant action aims to disrupt their operations and support efforts to restore order in the increasingly troubled Caribbean nation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized this shift, stating that “the age of impunity for those supporting violence in Haiti is over.” This classification reflects the serious nature of the gangs’ activities, which include attacks on civilians, Haitian security forces, and personnel from multinational security support missions.

Viv Ansanm emerged in September 2023 from an alliance of Haiti’s dominant gangs, G-9 and G-Pép. This coalition has conducted organized assaults on crucial national infrastructure, such as prisons, government buildings, and the Port-au-Prince international airport. These violent actions were part of a broader strategy that contributed to the resignation of former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The group’s influence and capabilities have led to a rising tide of gang warfare that destabilizes the region, pushing the U.S. to take a firmer stance against them.

Gran Grif predominantly operates in the Artibonite region, a key agricultural area. The U.S. State Department reported that Gran Grif is responsible for an alarming 80% of civilian deaths reported in the area since 2022. This gang’s activities have also included a widely condemned attack that resulted in the death of a Kenyan officer associated with the multinational security support mission in February 2025. Such acts underscore the gang’s significant threat to the safety and security of both local residents and international personnel in Haiti.

Jimmy Chérizier, who is infamously known as “Barbecue,” leads the Viv Ansanm faction. A former police officer, he has played a critical role in uniting rival gangs with the explicit goal of opposing the Haitian government. While Chérizier has defended his gang’s violent actions, he attributes the ongoing lawlessness to the failures of Haiti’s political elite. His controversial claim underscores the complex nature of the conflict, weaving together issues of governance and criminality.

Rubio asserted that these designations are vital in combating the dangerous activities of these gangs. He cautioned that any U.S. citizens or lawful residents engaging in transactions with either group would face potential sanctions and legal consequences. The administration views this legal framework as a necessary tool to curtail the gangs’ operations and prevent their ongoing violence, drawing attention to the broader implications for U.S.-Haiti relations and regional stability.

In a show of support for the ongoing efforts of the Haitian National Police and international partners, Rubio praised their bravery and commitment. He urged Haitian political leaders to tackle the security crisis head-on, advocating for measures to restore peace, safeguard the population, and work towards establishing democratic governance through free and fair elections. This multi-faceted approach highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to address the complex challenges facing Haiti today.