The United States has imposed visa restrictions and revoked existing visas for two members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and their immediate family members over alleged involvement in supporting criminal gangs, the State Department said.
State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the action targets the two council members, their spouses, and children, citing their role in aiding gangs and other criminal organisations in Haiti, including interference with government efforts to combat gangs designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) by the United States.
“The Department of State is taking steps to impose visa restrictions and revoke the visas of two (2) Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) members and their immediate family members (spouse and children),” Pigott announced on Sunday.
“These actions are being taken due to the TPC members’ involvement in the operation of gangs and other criminal organisations in Haiti.”
He added that the move was taken under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which bars entry to individuals whose presence or activities could have serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.
Pigott emphasized the US commitment to supporting Haiti’s stability and working with local authorities to combat gang violence.
“The Haitian people have had enough with gang violence, destruction, and political infighting,” he said. “The Trump Administration will promote accountability for those who continue to destabilize Haiti and the region.”
The sanctions come as Haiti faces deepening political turmoil. Just days earlier, the TPC announced it had voted to dismiss Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, only two weeks before the council itself was due to step down.
Council chairman Edgard Leblanc Fils made the announcement at a news conference alongside fellow council member Leslie Voltaire, saying a majority of the panel voted to remove the prime minister, without explaining the reasoning behind the decision.
No other council members were present at the briefing.
The dismissal defied calls from the US government to maintain continuity and stability in Haiti’s leadership as the country struggles to contain powerful gangs that control large areas of the nation. Leblanc said the council would appoint a replacement within 30 days.
Haiti continues to grapple with escalating violence, political instability, and a severe humanitarian crisis, prompting international partners to urge local leaders to prioritize unity and take decisive action against armed gangs.
The US sanctions highlight growing international pressure on Haitian authorities to restore stability and accountability in the country.
