The United States remains committed to protecting its national security interests and dismantling violent criminal gangs terrorizing the Haitian people. In a move aimed at disrupting these groups' activities, the Department of State has announced the designation of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), respectively.
Viv Ansanm, a coalition of gangs formed in September 2023, brings together two main gang factions operating in Port-au-Prince. The group's unified platform has been used to facilitate violence and destabilization in Haiti, including coordinated attacks on critical infrastructure such as prisons, government buildings, and the country's main airport. These actions have forced the resignation of former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Gran Grif, the largest gang in Haiti's Artibonite department, has been responsible for a significant number of civilian deaths since 2022, accounting for 80 percent of reports in the region. The group has also attacked Haitian National Police and the UN-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, including a February 2025 attack that resulted in the killing of a Kenyan MSS officer.
The designation of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as FTOs and SDGTs exposes these entities to U.S. sanctions, blocking all property and interests in property within the United States or controlled by a U.S. person. This move also restricts U.S. persons from conducting business with these organizations or individuals, and may result in secondary sanctions for those who engage in certain transactions.
The designation is made pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and Executive Order 13224, as amended. FTO designations take effect upon publication in the Federal Register.
For information on the delisting process, American citizens can refer to the Department of State's Delisting Guidance page.
The actions taken by the Department of State aim to disrupt the activities of these terrorist organizations and protect U.S. national security interests.