Trump government adopts firm stance against Haitian violence, declares gangs foreign terrorist entities
Going After Haiti's Gang Terrorists
The world watches as Haiti descends into chaos due to escalating gang violence across the country. (Video courtesy of AP, thumb courtesy of Reuters)
In a bold move, the Trump administration on Friday officially designated two notorious Haitian gang networks, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).
This decision aims to disrupt the gangs' operations and support efforts to restore order in the troubled Caribbean nation. The announcement came in a statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who declared the end of an era for those supporting violence in Haiti.
"These gangs have wreaked havoc in Haiti, killing innocent civilians, attacking security forces, and striving to overthrow the government, creating a gang-controlled state where criminal activities thrive," Rubio explained.
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Former police officer-turned-gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier walked past reporters in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 11, 2024. (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol)
Designating these gangs as FTOs and SDGTs brings serious consequences. Individuals or entities providing material support to Viv Ansanm or Gran Grif could face criminal charges, loss of immigration benefits, or removal from the U.S.
Viv Ansanm was formed in September 2023 through an alliance between Haiti's two main gang factions, G-9 and G-Pép. This coalition launched coordinated attacks on Haitian infrastructure, including prisons, government buildings, and the Port-au-Prince international airport, pushing out former Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
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A man carries his belongings after escaping gang violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Dec. 9, 2024. (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol)
Gran Grif primarily operates in the Artibonite region, a vital agricultural area. The State Department reported that Gran Grif is responsible for over 80% of civilian deaths in that area since 2022 and was linked to an attack that killed a Kenyan officer with the MSS mission in February 2025.
Jimmy Chérizier, known as Barbecue, leads Viv Ansanm. According to reports, he united rival gangs under a shared goal of opposing the Haitian government. In an interview, he defended the gang's actions, blaming the political elite for fostering lawlessness. Although acknowledging the violence, he claimed that the government enabled the conditions leading to it.
"These designations are a significant step in our battle against these violent groups," Rubio said. He also warned that U.S. citizens and residents engaging in transactions with these groups risk sanctions and prosecution.
Rubio commended the Haitian National Police and international partners for their efforts in pushing back against the gangs. He urged Haitian political leaders to prioritize restoring peace, find solutions to stop the violence, and work toward democratic elections.
The State Department did not immediately respond to our queries.
Jasmine is a writer at our website, a military spouse based in New Orleans. Stories can be sent to [email protected]
[1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements/2025/04/23/statement-on-designation-of-gangs-as-foreign-terrorist-organizations/[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-trump-administration-designate-haitian-gangs-foreign-terrorist-organizations-fe-2025-04-23/[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/09/world/americas/haiti-gang-violence-port-au-prince.html
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that U.S. citizens and residents engaging in transactions with Haitian gangs, Viv Ansanm or Gran Grif, risk sanctions and prosecution.
- Rubio commended the Haitian National Police and international partners for their efforts in pushing back against the gangs and urged Haitian political leaders to prioritize restoring peace, find solutions to stop the violence, and work toward democratic elections.
- Reuters reported that Gran Grif, a Haitian gang primarily operating in the Artibonite region, is responsible for over 80% of civilian deaths in that area since 2022 and was linked to an attack that killed a Kenyan officer with the MSS mission in February 2025.
- In a statement, Rubio declared the end of an era for those supporting violence in Haiti, after the Trump administration designated two notorious Haitian gang networks, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), aiming to disrupt their operations and restore order in the troubled Caribbean nation.
