Trump Administration Labels Two Haitian Gangs as ‘Terrorist Organizations’

The United States has designated the Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif gangs in Haiti as “foreign terrorist organisations,” continuing President Donald Trump’s strategy of labeling Latin American criminal groups as terrorist threats. This decision reflects the administration's broader crackdown on organized crime in the region, linking these efforts to domestic concerns such as irregular migration and drug trafficking.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designations, emphasizing that the two gangs are responsible for widespread violence and instability in Haiti, especially in the capital, Port-au-Prince. He described them as a direct threat to U.S. national security. Rubio declared an end to the era of impunity for those who promote violence in Haiti.

These designations come on the heels of similar actions in February, when the U.S. labeled eight other criminal groups, including MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and several Mexican drug cartels, as terrorist organizations. Though such groups use violence and intimidation, experts typically distinguish them from traditional terrorist groups, which usually pursue explicit political goals. However, the “foreign terrorist organisation” label carries serious legal implications. It bars members from entering the U.S. and criminalizes providing “material support,” which could inadvertently affect people living in areas where these gangs dominate local economies and governance.

Critics warn that such broad designations could complicate humanitarian and international aid, especially in Haiti, where gangs exert vast territorial control. Viv Ansanm, meaning “Live Together,” is believed to control up to 85 percent of Port-au-Prince. This dominance has disrupted commercial flights and restricted access to food and medicine, worsening the country’s humanitarian crisis.

Experts such as Romain Le Cour of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime highlight that these gangs often charge tolls for movement through their territories. With the new designation, any form of payment to these groups could be treated as a criminal offense in the U.S., functioning as a de facto embargo and making aid delivery more difficult. Jake Johnston of the Center for Economic and Policy Research warned that this could significantly increase the risks associated with doing business in Haiti.

Gang control has grown since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which created a power vacuum. No federal elections have taken place since, further weakening public trust in institutions. Gangs have used this instability to tighten their grip. Over one million people have been internally displaced, and the United Nations estimates that 5.7 million Haitians—nearly half the population—lack sufficient food.

To counter this, Kenya has led a UN-backed international security mission to support Haitian police. However, the mission relies heavily on U.S. support, which Trump has partially frozen. Its effectiveness remains in question, especially following the death of a Kenyan police officer during a mission operation in February.

The Trump administration has also sought to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole for Haitians. Approximately 520,694 Haitians currently benefit from TPS, but the Department of Homeland Security plans to end the program by August, further impacting vulnerable Haitian populations. Critics argue these policies could worsen the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti.