U.S. Designates Haitian Gangs As Global Terrorists, But Critics Claim It's An Excuse To Increase Deportations

'Barbecue', one of the most prominent faces of the violence plaguing Haiti, is considered the most powerful leader. (Credit: Clarens Siffroy/AFP)

The Trump administration designated on Friday a group of Haitan gangs as terrorists as the groups continue gaining territory and control in the besieged country. However, critics of the measure have warned about the decision being used as an excuse to increase deportations of Haitians living in the U.S.

Concretely, Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the Viv Ansanm coalition and the Gran Grif gang as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. They join eight other Latin American groups designated as terrorist organizations in February, including Venezuela's Tren de Aragua and several Mexican cartels.