The United States government has designated the Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif gangs operating in Haiti as “foreign terrorist organizations.” This classification aligns with a broader strategy by President Donald Trump’s administration, which has increasingly aimed to address the influence of criminal organizations across Latin America.
In an announcement made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the focus was placed on the escalating violence and chaos perpetuated by these gangs in Haiti. Armed groups like Viv Ansanm, which translates to “Live Together,” exert substantial control over the capital, Port-au-Prince, contributing to an environment of instability that directly threatens regional security, including U.S. interests.
Rubio emphasized that the era of impunity for those instigating violence in Haiti has come to an end. The administration’s approach has been informed by domestic concerns, associating the activities of such gangs with broader issues like irregular migration and drug trafficking. Earlier this year, the U.S. designated several other gangs—including the notorious Mara Salvatrucha and Tren de Aragua—as “terrorist organizations,” underlining a pattern of aggressive measures against perceived threats from organized crime.
However, experts have cautioned against equating these violent groups with traditional terrorist organizations that generally pursue specific political objectives. The “terrorist” designation imposes serious repercussions, including making any member of the designated groups inadmissible to the United States and barring any form of financial or material support to them. This designation can complicate humanitarian efforts, particularly in areas where these gangs play a significant role in the local economy and governance, raising concerns about its potential impact on vital supplies of food and medicine.
The consequences of these designations could have profound implications for humanitarian aid to Haiti, a nation already grappling with severe food insecurity, displacement, and violence. Experts warn that labeling these gangs in such a way could hinder negotiation efforts for humanitarian relief. With a significant portion of the population—estimates suggest nearly half—facing food shortages, the need for international collaboration becomes even more critical.
The power of gangs in Haiti has surged particularly in the wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which created a vacuum of authority and trust in state institutions. Over one million individuals have been displaced as a result of the resulting violence. A United Nations-backed international security mission led by Kenya is currently tasked with supporting local police in combatting these gangs, yet this mission relies heavily on U.S. support, some of which has been cut since Trump’s administration’s take office.
Skepticism about the effectiveness of international interventions in Haiti remains, partly due to a historical context of foreign involvement that has often been disastrous. Amid these developments, concerns persist regarding the future of humanitarian support, especially as discussions about immigration policies affecting Haitians in the U.S. continue to unfold.
As the situation evolves, the U.S. response will play a pivotal role in shaping both the security landscape in Haiti and the humanitarian assistance necessary to support its most vulnerable populations.
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