Trump administration labels Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations

Trump administration On Friday, they officially determined the two most powerful nets of Bandi on Haiti, Viv Ansan and Gran Grif, foreign terrorist organizations (FTOS) and specially marked global terrorists (SDGTS).

This move is aimed at interfering with operations of gangs and support the efforts to restore order in problematic Caribbean nation.

The announcement was published in a formal statement from State Secretary Marco Rubiowho stated that “the age of unpunished for those who support violence on Haiti.”

“These gangs killed and continued to attack the people of Haiti, the Haitian security forces and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) mission and were dedicated to the overthrow of the Haiti Government,” Rubio said. “Their ultimate goal is to create a state under control of gangs where illegal trade and other criminal activities seem free and terrorize haitian citizens.”

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The labels bring serious legal consequences. Individuals or entities providing material support for VIV ANSAN or Gran Grif may face criminal charges, loss of immigration benefits or removal from the USA

Viv Ansanm was formed in September 2023 by the Alliance between the two main faction of Bandi Haiti, G-9 and G-Pép. The coalition carried out coordinated attacks on Haitian infrastructure, including prisons, government buildings and an international Port-AU-Prince Airport. These attacks were part of a wider campaign that helped to forcing former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

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Gran Grif mainly operates in the artibonite region, a vital agricultural area. State Department He said the band was responsible for 80% of the Civil Death report in the area since 2022. In February 2025. Gran Grif was associated with an attack that killed the Kenyan officer with a MSS mission.

According to the reporting of 2024, Viv Ansanm led Jimmy Chérizier, known as a barbecue, a former police officer became a gang leader.

Chérizier helped unite a rival gang on a common goal of opposition to the Haiti government. In an interview with, for example, he defended the gang actions and blamed that Haiti’s political elite was for incentive to incentives. Although he confessed to violence, he claimed that the Government had enabled the conditions they had conducted.

“These labels play a critical role in our fight against these vicious groups and are an effective way to reduce support for your terrorist activity,” Rubi said. He also warned that US citizens and lawful residents deal with transactions with these groups are exposed to sanctions and persecution.

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Rubio praised the Haitian national police and international partners for their efforts to withdraw against gangs. “We commend the extraordinary courage of Hait National Police and all international partners who support the MSS mission for their constant effort to establish stability and security on Haiti,” he said.

He called on the Haitian political leaders to focus on the restoration of peace.

“We invite all Haiti political leaders to give the Haitian people’s safety priority, finding a solution to stop violence and progress in renewing democracy with free and honest elections,” Rubio said.

The State Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital for comment.