The designation of "Viv Ansanm" and "Gran Grif" as terrorist organizations by the U.S. Department of State represents an “important step” in blocking their access to weapons, ammunition, money, and in allowing the FBI, DEA, and other agencies to prosecute each member of these terrorist organizations and their accomplices—whether they are Americans or residents of the U.S.—according to U.S. Ambassador Dennis B. Hankins during an interview with several media outlets, including Le Nouvelliste, on Monday, May 5, 2025.

“With this designation, the gangs and those who support them are in violation of U.S. law. The designation gives U.S. agencies far greater capacity to prosecute these criminals,” emphasized the diplomat, who provided an example. From now on, exporting weapons and ammunition will no longer be treated as a simple export violation, but rather “as providing material support to a terrorist group,” he warned—pointing to the fact that the vast majority of weapons used by Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif come from the U.S.