The U.S. government has officially classified two prominent Haitian gang alliances, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and specially designated global terrorists (SDGTs) on Friday.

This action is intended to disrupt the gangs’ operations and aid in restoring order to the nation.

The announcement was delivered in a formal statement by a U.S. official, who stated that “the era of impunity for those backing violence in Haiti is over.”

According to the statement, these gangs have been responsible for killing and attacking Haitian citizens, security forces, and multinational security support (MSS) mission personnel, with the goal of overthrowing the Haitian government and establishing a gang-controlled state characterized by illicit trafficking, criminal activities, and the terrorization of Haitian citizens.

The designations carry significant legal ramifications, including criminal charges, financial penalties, or deportation from the U.S. for individuals or entities providing material support to Viv Ansanm or Gran Grif.

Viv Ansanm, formed in September 2023 through a merger of Haiti’s two leading gang factions, G-9 and G-Pép, has conducted coordinated assaults on key infrastructure, such as prisons, government buildings, and the Port-au-Prince international airport, contributing to the resignation of former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Gran Grif, primarily active in the Artibonite region, a crucial agricultural area, is reportedly responsible for 80% of civilian deaths in that area since 2022. The gang was also linked to a February 2025 attack that resulted in the death of a Kenyan officer with the MSS mission.

According to reports from 2024, Viv Ansanm was led by Jimmy Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, a former police officer who became a gang leader.

Chérizier played a key role in uniting rival gangs to oppose the Haitian government. In an interview, he defended the gang’s actions, blaming Haiti’s political elite for creating the lawless environment, while acknowledging the violence but arguing that the government enabled the conditions that led to it.

The U.S. official stated that these designations are crucial in the fight against these groups and effectively limit support for their terrorist activities. They also cautioned that U.S. citizens and legal residents engaging in transactions with these groups risk sanctions and prosecution.

The official praised the Haitian National Police and international partners for their efforts to combat the gangs, acknowledging the bravery of the Haitian National Police and all international partners supporting the MSS mission for their ongoing efforts to establish stability and security in Haiti.

The official urged all of Haiti’s political leaders to prioritize the security of the Haitian people and find solutions to stop the violence, and make progress toward the restoration of democracy through free and fair elections.

The State Department has yet to respond to requests for comment.

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