Overview
- The State Department said it imposed visa restrictions on a Haitian government official for supporting gangs and obstructing efforts against groups designated as terrorist organizations, revoking any U.S. visas and barring entry.
- Fritz Alphonse Jean, a member of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, identified himself as the targeted official and denied the accusations.
- Jean told the Associated Press that U.S. and Canadian envoys threatened visa cancellations during council discussions about possibly changing the head of government.
- The measure draws on a U.S. policy announced in 2022 to target individuals who materially support Haitian criminal networks, part of a broader pressure campaign.
- The action lands as gangs control roughly 85–90% of Port-au-Prince and displacement hits 1.4 million, with Haiti’s electoral body eyeing votes next August and December before the council’s mandate ends on February 7, 2026, and the U.S. backing terrorist designations for gangs and a larger Gang Suppression Force.