The Trump administration has reportedly informed Congress of its intention to potentially designate two Haitian gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). This designation would allow the U.S. government to impose stricter sanctions on the gangs and their members, hindering their ability to operate and receive funding.
Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif are major players in the ongoing violence and instability plaguing Haiti. They control significant territory and have been implicated in widespread criminal activity, including kidnappings, extortion, and drug trafficking. The potential FTO designation reflects growing concerns about the security situation in Haiti and the need for a more robust response.
If officially designated, the gangs would face significant legal and financial consequences. It would become illegal for U.S. citizens to provide them with material support, and their assets in the U.S. could be frozen. The designation could also encourage other countries to take similar action, further isolating the gangs and disrupting their operations. The State Department has not yet officially confirmed the designation, but the notification to Congress suggests that it is under serious consideration.
US Considers Designating Haitian Gangs as Terrorist Groups
The U.S. government is considering labeling two Haitian gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as foreign terrorist organizations. This potential designation, reported to Congress, could lead to stricter sanctions and increased scrutiny of their activities. The move comes amid ongoing violence and instability in Haiti, where these gangs exert considerable influence. The formal designation would allow the U.S. to target the gangs' finances and supporters more effectively.