Haiti experiences worsening gang violence
The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the escalating violence from gangs in Haiti. (Video provided by Reuters)
On Friday, the Trump administration officially labeled two major gang groups in Haiti, known as Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and specially designated global terrorists (SDGTs).
This decision aims to disrupt their operations and assist in restoring order in the Caribbean region.
The announcement came from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated, “the era of immunity is over for those who support violence in Haiti.”
Rubio emphasized that these gangs are responsible for killing Haitian security forces and international mission officials while trying to overthrow the government. “Their ultimate aim,” he noted, “is to establish a state controlled by gangs, where illegal activities like human trafficking can thrive and terrorize Haitian citizens.”
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Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, a former police officer turned gang leader, seen passing a reporter on March 11, 2024, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (Reuters/Ralph Teddy Erol)
This designation carries significant legal implications. Those offering substantial support to Viv Ansanm or Gran Grif might face criminal charges, potential loss of immigration benefits, or removal from the U.S.
Viv Ansanm was formed in September 2023 as a result of an alliance between major gang leaders, G-9 and G-Pép. This coalition has executed coordinated assaults on various Haitian infrastructures, including prisons and government buildings, significantly influencing the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
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A man carries his belongings while observing a vehicle engulfed in flames after a gang incident in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, dated December 9, 2024. (Reuters/Ralph Teddy Erol)
Gran Grif operates mainly in the Artibonite region, a crucial agricultural area, and has been responsible for a staggering 80% of civilian deaths reported there since 2022. Notably, an attack in February 2025 attributed to Gran Grif resulted in the death of a Kenyan officer on an MSS mission.
As per reports from NPR in 2024, Viv Ansanm is led by Jimmy Cherizier, who is recognized as Barbecue, with many former police officers now commanding gangs.
Cherizier has united rival gangs under a shared objective of opposing the government. In a conversation with NPR, he defended the group’s actions, pointing fingers at Haiti’s political elite for supporting the gangs while acknowledging the violence. He even suggested that it was the government that created the very conditions giving rise to this turmoil.
On December 9, 2024, a woman seen carrying her possessions escapes from the violence instigated by armed gangs in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (Reuters/Ralph Teddy Erol)
Rubio stated that these designations significantly contribute to the fight against brutal gangs and are practical measures to reduce their support for terrorist activities. He also cautioned that U.S. citizens and legal residents engaging with these groups would face sanctions and legal repercussions.
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He commended the Haitian National Police and international partners for their unwavering determination against gang violence. “I commend the extraordinary courage of the Haitian National Police and all international partners supporting the MSS mission in their ongoing efforts to foster stability and security within Haiti,” Rubio remarked.
Rubio urged Haitian political leaders to concentrate on restoring order.
“We call upon all Haitian political leaders to put the safety of their people first, devise solutions to halt the violence, and work to restore democracy through fair and open elections,” he added.
The State Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for further insights.
