Designation of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif

On May 2, 2025, the U.S. designated Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as terrorist organizations. Viv Ansanm, formed in September 2023, is a coalition of Haiti’s dominant gangs, G-9 and G-Pép, united to destabilize the country and obstruct efforts to restore state authority. The group has executed coordinated attacks on key infrastructure, including prisons and the main airport, contributing to the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Gran Grif, active in Haiti’s Artibonite region, has caused 80% of reported civilian deaths there since 2022 and has attacked both Haitian police and the UN-backed Multinational Security Support mission, killing a Kenyan officer in February 2025. The designations block all U.S.-linked assets of these groups and prohibit Americans from conducting business with them. Violators may face criminal charges or sanctions. These actions, under the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, aim to cut off financial and logistical support and bolster law enforcement efforts domestically and internationally.