US Designates Haitian Gangs as Terrorist Organizations Amid Escalating Crisis

In early 2025, the United States formally designated two major Haitian criminal groups, the Viv Ansanm coalition and the Gran Grif gang, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists due to their role in escalating violence and instability in Haiti. These gangs have seized control of large areas including the capital, Port-au-Prince, conducting coordinated attacks on police, government facilities, and civilian populations, leading to thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and a humanitarian crisis affecting over half of Haiti's population. The U.S. designations aim to cut off financial and visa access for gang members and supporters, enabling stronger legal actions against those aiding the groups, but concerns remain that these measures could inadvertently hamper humanitarian aid and strengthen gang control. The Haitian Transitional Presidential Council welcomed the U.S. decision as a positive step in combating terrorism and gang violence. The State Department highlighted that providing material support to these gangs could result in criminal charges and removal from the United States, paralleling previous designations of Latin American gangs. Meanwhile, mass protests have erupted in Haiti demanding political transition and security reforms as the crisis deepens.