WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has informed Congress of its plan to classify Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, according to sources familiar with the notification, as reported by The Associated Press.
The State Department previously labeled eight Latin American crime groups in February as foreign terrorist organizations, intensifying pressure on cartels operating in the U.S. This latest decision shows that the administration aims to exert similar influence on Haitian gangs, which will come with sanctions and penalties for anyone offering “material support” to these groups.
This action follows steps taken against the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which was designated as a foreign terror organization. The Trump administration utilized an 18th-century wartime law to justify the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to a notorious El Salvador prison under Trump’s immigration policies.
Congress Notification on Haitian Gangs
On April 23, the Trump administration notified congressional committees of its intention to designate Haitian gangs Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as foreign terrorist organizations. Two sources, speaking anonymously, confirmed the message, while a third indicated that the foreign relations committees in both the House and Senate received this notification. The State Department and White House have yet to respond.
The designation follows a move by the Trump administration in February to end protections that previously shielded half a million Haitians from deportation. Additionally, tens of thousands of Haitians had arrived in the U.S. under a Biden-era program that allowed individuals from four specific countries, including Haiti, to remain for two years, provided they had a financial sponsor. This program has since been terminated by the Trump administration.
Impact of Gangs in Haiti
Viv Ansanm, or “Living Together,” is a significant gang coalition formed in September 2023, notorious for launching extensive attacks across Port-au-Prince, which resulted in the closure of the main international airport and the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Control of territory now rests with gangs that dominate over 85% of Haiti’s capital.
Gran Grif, also known as the Savien gang, is the largest in the Artibonite region and part of the Viv Ansanm coalition. It was involved in a major massacre in Pont-Sondé in October 2024, resulting in over 70 deaths. The gang has also been linked to violent attacks in the Petite Riviere community, resulting in numerous fatalities, including children.
The result of gang violence has devastated the country, with over 5,600 fatalities in the past year and leaving more than 1 million people homeless. Gang activities have surged, leading to record levels of hunger among Haiti’s nearly 12 million residents, with many at risk of severe food shortages.
