Trump administration takes hard line on Haitian violence, labels gangs foreign terrorist organizations
FOX NewsMAY 12
US Designates Haitian Gangs as Terrorist Organizations
Above: Armed gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier and his men are seen in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 5, 2024. Image copyright: Clarens Siffroy/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
This move demonstrates a commitment to protecting U.S. national security interests and ending impunity for those supporting violence in Haiti. Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif pose a direct threat to regional stability, attacking civilians and security forces while seeking to create a gang-controlled state.
Democratic narrative
Designating Haitian gangs as terrorist organizations without a broader strategy will only exacerbate the suffering of innocent Haitians, as sanctions may deter humanitarian groups from operating due to legal concerns. The U.S. should pursue targeted sanctions against elites financing the gangs while ensuring continued humanitarian assistance.