The Trump administration has conveyed to Congress its intention to classify certain Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, according to sources familiar with the notification. This initiative aligns with recent actions by the State Department, which in February targeted eight Latin American criminal organizations as foreign terrorist entities, thereby increasing pressure on such groups and anyone assisting them within the United States. This new move indicates a similar approach will be taken concerning Haitian gangs, implying sanctions and legal repercussions for those providing support.
This development follows actions taken against the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which was previously designated as a foreign terrorist organization. Subsequently, under an 18th-century wartime law, the gang was labeled an invading force, facilitating the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador under Trump’s extensive immigration policy.
The use of the Alien Enemies Act is noteworthy as it grants the president broad authority to detain and expel noncitizens whom otherwise might seek asylum or have their cases assessed in U.S. immigration courts. In a rally held in Michigan, Trump highlighted this designation effort, targeting six Latin American gangs, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, as critical terrorist organizations, granting additional leverage in handling them.
Sources revealed that the Trump administration informed congressional committees on April 23 of its plans to classify the Haitian gangs Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as foreign terrorist organizations. Three individuals confirmed the foreign relations committees in both the Senate and House were notified. Neither the State Department nor the White House provided immediate comments regarding this update.
This initiative comes after the termination of protections previously shielding hundreds of thousands of Haitians from deportation, following a policy from the Biden era that allowed certain individuals to stay in the U.S. for two years. The Trump administration intends to revoke the status of those admitted under this program.
The foreign terrorist organization designation, typically used for groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State, suggests an expansion of the U.S. definition of foreign terrorism to include these Haitian gangs. Viv Ansanm emerged in September 2023, launching attacks, including closing Haiti’s main airport and causing significant political disruptions. This coalition unified notorious gangs such as G-9 and G-Pèp.
Operating in Haiti’s central Artibonite region, Gran Grif, known as the Savien gang and led by “General Luckson” Elan, has been accused of participating in one of Haiti’s most severe massacres and other violent acts. Following his arrest in January, Gran Grif’s link to the crisis became apparent with their suspected involvement in an attack that resulted in numerous deaths.
Overall, gang violence has devastated Haiti, killing over 5,600 people last year and displacing over a million. Recent incidents include a prison break in Mirebalais and attacks in Port-au-Prince and other holy sites. These events have heightened insecurity. As a result, hunger rates have surged, with a significant portion of the population facing severe food shortages and risk of starvation.