On May 2nd, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department had designated the coalition of 27 gangs, "Viv Ansanm," led by Jimmy Cherisier, aka "Barbecue," and the "Gran Grif" gang, led by Luckson Elan, aka "Jeneral Luckson" (an ally of Viv Ansanm), as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

These two groups are the primary sources of instability and violence in Haiti, and they are among the best armed. "Gran Grif," the largest gang in the Artibonite region, has been responsible for 80% of civilian deaths since 2022. These two armed groups pose a direct threat to U.S. national security interests in the region.

The State Department statement stated that "[..] The age of impunity for those supporting violence in Haiti is over." It emphasizes that these gangs have killed and continue to attack the Haitian population, Haitian security forces, and Multinational Mission personnel. Their ultimate goal is to overthrow the Haitian government and create a gang-controlled state where illicit trafficking and other criminal activities can operate freely.

Engaging in transactions with members of these groups entails risk in relation to counterterrorism sanctions authorities, not only for Haitians but also for U.S. lawful permanent residents and U.S. citizens. Individuals and entities providing material support or resources to "Viv Ansanm" or "Gran Grif" could face criminal charges and inadmissibility or removal from the United States.

It is important to note that there are no territorial limitations. Therefore, anyone, anywhere in the world, who finances or contributes, or intends to contribute to these gangs, is subject to prosecution and severe penalties.

Should be noted that these terrorist designations may facilitate the actions of U.S. law enforcement and partner governments.

These gangs join eight other Latin American criminal organizations, including Mexican cartels and the Venezuelan "Tren de Aragua" gang, which were also designated as terrorist groups by the State Department last February.

SL/ HaitiLibre