The Trump administration has notified Congress of its intent to designate Haitian gangs Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as foreign terrorist organizations, amid ongoing efforts to address gang violence that has overtaken Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. This decision follows a previous designation of eight Latin American organized crime groups as foreign terrorist organizations, reflecting a broader strategy to combat transnational crime. Migration from Haiti has been under scrutiny, particularly following the termination of a Biden-era program that allowed tens of thousands of Haitians to temporarily reside in the U.S. President Trump, during a rally celebrating his first 100 days back in office, emphasized his administration's commitment to deporting criminals and criticized Democrats for opposing these measures. The situation in Haiti has been dire, with gang violence resulting in over a million people becoming homeless and high-profile attacks that have destabilized the government and community infrastructure.

The Trump administration plans to classify Haitian gangs Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as foreign terrorist organizations, a move communicated to Congress and reflecting a strategy to intensify efforts against gang-related violence in Haiti.

Designations of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif come after the State Department labeled eight Latin American crime groups as foreign terrorist organizations, signaling a comprehensive approach to countering organized crime.

The administration's focus on Haiti follows the cancellation of a Biden-era immigration program that provided temporary residency for thousands of Haitians, aiming to reverse policies that permitted significant Haitian migration.

President Trump, during a Michigan rally marking his 100th day in office, highlighted his administration's increased deportations and criticized the Democratic opposition, framing his policies as protective of American citizens against foreign criminals.

Haiti's security crisis is severe, with gangs controlling much of the capital and causing mass displacement; notable incidents include airport closures, prison breaks, and the resignation of the former Prime Minister Ariel Henry due to gang pressures.

Viv Ansanm, formed in 2023, includes multiple gangs such as G-9 and G-Pèp, while Gran Grif, a significant force in the Artibonite region, has been linked to major massacres and violent incidents, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Haiti.

Prophane Victor, a former Haitian parliamentarian, was arrested for arming gang members, facing sanctions from Canada and the U.S. for his role in supporting human rights abuses, illustrating the international dimension of the Haitian gang crisis.