Haiti – US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Members of Transitional Presidential Council

2026-01-27 - 15:44

The United States has announced new visa restrictions against two members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), along with their immediate family members, including children, citing alleged links to gang activity and criminal networks. The announcement was made by US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, who said the measures include both visa revocations and future travel restrictions. While the individuals were not publicly named, Pigott said the decision was based on their alleged involvement in facilitating gang operations and obstructing Haiti’s efforts to counter groups designated by the United States as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. “These actions are being taken due to the TPC member’s involvement in the operation of gangs and other criminal organizations in Haiti, including through interference with the Government of Haiti’s efforts to counter gangs,” Pigott said. He explained that the sanctions are being applied under the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the United States to bar entry to foreign nationals whose presence or activities could have serious adverse foreign policy consequences. Pigott reaffirmed Washington’s stance on Haiti, stressing that the Trump administration remains committed to supporting stability and security in the country. “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 State Department also disclosed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Fils-Aimé last Friday. During the call, Rubio reaffirmed US support for regional stability and emphasized the importance of Fils-Aimé remaining in office to combat gang violence and help stabilize the country. According to Pigott, Rubio underscored that Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council must be dissolved by February 7, warning against corrupt actors attempting to derail the country’s transition toward elected governance. “Haiti’s leaders must choose Haiti’s stability,” Pigott said. “The United States will ensure there is a steep cost for corrupt politicians who support vicious gangs and wreak terrorism on Haiti.” The US announcement comes amid worsening security conditions in Haiti, where armed gangs continue to expand their control across large swathes of the country. Senior United Nations officials warned the UN Security Council last week that the crisis has entered a critical phase, marked by escalating violence, entrenched criminal networks, and mounting humanitarian needs. With the current political transition set to expire on February 7, UN officials cautioned that failure to sustain both security and political efforts could plunge the country deeper into instability. Carlos Ruiz-Massieu, head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, said the country is at a decisive moment in its attempt to restore democratic institutions. He urged Haitian political actors to rein in fragmentation and prioritize elections. “Let us be clear: the country no longer has time to waste on prolonged internal struggles,” Ruiz-Massieu said, calling for continuity in governance arrangements beyond the February deadline. He pointed to recent developments as cautiously encouraging, including the adoption of an electoral decree on December 1 and the release of an election calendar later that month. New provisions on voter registration, overseas voting, and women’s representation could enhance inclusivity if effectively implemented, he added. However, the UN warned that political progress is unfolding against a sharply deteriorating security backdrop. Gangs continue to carry out coordinated attacks, dominate key economic and agricultural corridors, and drive mass displacement that is overwhelming police and humanitarian resources. Ruiz-Massieu reported that Haiti’s murder rate increased by nearly 20 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year. While some gains have been made through police operations supported by the security council-authorized Gang Suppression Force, he cautioned that these advances remain fragile. John Brandolino, acting executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, said the violence reflects a deeper transformation of Haiti’s criminal landscape. Both UN officials emphasized the importance of transitioning the Multinational Security Support Mission into the Gang Suppression Force and establishing the UN Support Office in Haiti, while urging predictable funding and sustained international support. Beyond security concerns, the UN said Haiti’s humanitarian situation remains severe, with growing displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to basic services continuing to affect millions.