The U.S. State Department announced that it has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on an unnamed Haitian official accused of supporting gangs and criminal organizations.
The government official is believed to have obstructed the “government of Haiti’s fight against terrorist gangs designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations,” the State Department explained, adding, “The United States remains committed to supporting Haiti’s stability and expects measurable progress toward free and fair elections. The Haitian people have had enough with gang violence, destruction, and political infighting. The Trump Administration will promote accountability for those who continue to destabilize Haiti and our region.”
In August, the Department of Justice announced an indictment for Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as “Barbecue,” and Bazile Richardson, of a conspiracy to transfer funds from the United States to Cherizier to fund gang-related activities.
“The U.S. government sanctioned Cherizier in 2020 because he was responsible for an ongoing campaign of violence, including the 2018 La Saline massacre, in which 71 people were killed, more than 400 houses were destroyed, and at least seven women raped by armed gangs,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro explained at the time. “The U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to apprehending Cherizier and bringing him to justice, along with individuals like defendant Richardson, who has sent money and other support to Cherizier from the United States in violation of U.S. sanctions. Our office is committed to keeping Americans safe anywhere in the world, and the gang violence that has ravaged Haiti must end.”
A United Nations report highlighted a 20% rise in deaths caused by gang violence from 2023 to 2024.
