Trump government intends to classify Haitian criminal organizations as international terrorist entities
Here's a fresh take on that:
The Trump administration wants to get tough on Haitian gangs, labeling them as foreign terror organizations. Sources close to the matter say this move follows a similar pattern with eight Latin American crime groups on which the administration has already imposed pressure. This new move indicates a similar crackdown on Haitian gangs.
Designating these Haitian gangs as foreign terrorists comes with consequences—sanctions and penalties for anyone who provides material support to the group. The choice to apply this label to Haitian gangs is quite striking, as it broadens the traditional United States definition of foreign terrorism.
In February, the Trump administration acted against the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, classifying them as a foreign terror organization and later dubbing them an invading force. This move justified the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under President Trump's aggressive immigration policies.
Two notorious Haitian gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, may be the focus of this designation. Viv Ansanm, meaning "Living Together," formed in September 2023 and has orchestrated attacks across Port-au-Prince and beyond, causing significant chaos. The gang united over a dozen powerful Haitian gangs, including two gargantuan ones: G-9 and G-Pèp.
Gran Grif, also known as the Savien gang, was founded by Prophane Victor, an ex-member of Haiti's Parliament, and is accused of human rights abuses. The gang controls large parts of Haiti's central Artibonite region, terrorizing communities and fueling a surge in violence and displacement across the nation.
Gang-related violence has taken a heavy toll in Haiti. More than 5,600 people were killed in 2021, and more than 1 million people were left homeless, with ongoing gang violence largely to blame. Despite the efforts of the military, police, and a UN-backed mission, gangs have extended their territory, causing unrest and instability throughout the country.
Notable attacks include the seizing of more control in Port-au-Prince and the deadly assault on the town of Pont-Sondé in October 2024, in which more than 70 people were killed. These wanton acts of violence, combined with the humanitarian and food crises afflicting Haiti, have contributed to record levels of hunger and displacement in the country.
(Source: France 24 with AP)
Extra Insight:
The Trump administration's designation of Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations is part of a broader strategy to tackle crime, both within and outside the United States. This move is reminiscent of actions against other Latin American crime organizations, like the designation of eight groups in February, including MS-13 and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua[1][2]. By dictating such labeling, the administration seeks to impose sanctions and limiting resources of these gangs, while also facilitating immigration control measures[1][3]. Moreover, this decision is driven by the increase in gang-related violence in Haiti, adding pressure to the country's already precarious humanitarian situation and exacerbating migration pressure[1].
- The Trump administration's decision to designate Haitian gangs as foreign terror organizations is a part of a broader policy-and-legislation strategy aimed at combating crime, not only within the United States but also globally.
- The designation of these Haitian gangs will result in sanctions and penalties for anyone providing material support to the groups, broadening the traditional United States definition of foreign terrorism.
- This move follows a similar pattern with eight Latin American crime groups on which the Trump administration has already imposed pressure, such as MS-13 and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
- The designation may focus on two notorious Haitian gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, known for their involvement in human rights abuses and terrorizing communities, particularly in the Artibonite region.
- The ongoing violence and displacement caused by these gangs have contributed to a alarming rise in crime and general-news events, such as the seizing of more control in Port-au-Prince and the deadly assault on the town of Pont-Sondé in October 2024.
- The designation and subsequent sanctions and pressure are intended to limit resources of these gangs, launching a crackdown on Haitian gangs and potentially facilitating immigration control measures, as seen with the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under President Trump's aggressive immigration policies.
