Trump administration labels Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations
Haiti is facing a worsening crisis as gang violence continues to escalate across the country, prompting a stern warning from the United Nations. The situation has become so dire that the Trump administration has officially designated two of Haiti’s most powerful gang networks, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and specially designated global terrorists (SDGTs).
In a formal statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the designation of these gangs as FTOs is aimed at disrupting their operations and supporting efforts to restore order in Haiti. Rubio emphasized that the age of impunity for those supporting violence in Haiti is over, and that these gangs have been responsible for killing and attacking Haitian citizens, security forces, and multinational security support (MSS) mission personnel. He highlighted the gangs’ ultimate goal of creating a gang-controlled state where criminal activities operate freely and terrorize the population.
Viv Ansanm, formed in September 2023 through an alliance between Haiti’s main gang factions, G-9 and G-Pép, has carried out coordinated attacks on Haitian infrastructure, government buildings, prisons, and the Port-au-Prince international airport. These attacks played a role in forcing the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Gran Grif, which operates in the Artibonite region, has been responsible for a significant portion of civilian deaths in the area since 2022 and was linked to an attack that killed a Kenyan MSS officer in February 2025.
Jimmy Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, a former police officer turned gang leader, played a key role in spearheading Viv Ansanm. In an interview with NPR, Chérizier defended the gang’s actions, attributing the violence to the government’s failure to address underlying issues. He accused Haiti’s political elite of enabling the lawlessness that has gripped the country.
The designation of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as FTOs carries serious legal consequences, with individuals or entities providing material support to these gangs facing criminal charges, loss of immigration benefits, or removal from the U.S. Rubio commended the efforts of the Haitian National Police and international partners in pushing back against the gangs, urging Haitian political leaders to prioritize the security of the population and work towards restoring peace.
As Haiti grapples with escalating gang violence, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to address the crisis. The designation of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as foreign terrorist organizations underscores the severity of the threat posed by these gangs and the urgent need for decisive action to restore stability and security in Haiti.
