State Department designates violent Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations

The State Department on Friday officially designated a group of Haitian gangs responsible for the recent violence in the Caribbean nation as "foreign terrorist organizations." 

Violent gangs took over the Haitian government and the island's streets last year, after the gangs stormed two major prisons and released thousands of inmates. Gang violence has been an issue in Haiti for decades, but escalated after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif gangs are now foreign terrorist organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, because they pose a direct threat to U.S. national security interests in Haiti.

"These gangs have killed and continue attacking the people of Haiti, Haitian security forces, and Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission personnel, and are committed to overthrowing the government of Haiti," Rubio said. "Their ultimate goal is creating a gang-controlled state where illicit trafficking and other criminal activities operate freely and terrorize Haitian citizens."

The secretary said the designations mean people who interact with the groups could face sanctions, or even criminal charges and inadmissibility or removal from the U.S. if they provide material support to them.

"We urge all of Haiti’s political leaders to prioritize the security of the Haitian people, find solutions to stop the violence, and make progress toward the restoration of democracy through free and fair elections," he added. "The United States stands with the Haitian people as they seek a secure, stable future for their country and citizens."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.