U.S. Lawmakers Witness Impact of Gang Rule in Haiti

A group of U.S. House lawmakers visited Port-au-Prince, Haiti, amid ongoing issues of gang control following the assassination of the country’s president in July 2021. The lawmakers, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., observed the severe conditions due to gang activities.

Mast described the situation, noting gang-blocked streets filled with rubble and large ditches, impacting movements of military and police units. “Some areas resemble conflict zones,” Mast said, reflecting on the poverty and destruction observed.

Mast led a bipartisan congressional group to both Venezuela and Haiti in the first such visit in a decade. In Haiti, the delegation met with the prime minister and assessed efforts to reclaim areas of Port-au-Prince affected by gang rule.

“The international community, along with a U.S. paramilitary group, is working to regain control,” Mast explained.

The presence of gang violence remains, as evidenced by a video Mast was shown, detailing the brutal treatment of a heavy machinery operator. The gangs kidnapped the operator’s family and forced him to exchange himself for them, leading to his violent death.

Gangs don’t only target police allies. Mast learned of the recent kidnapping of a 6-year-old American girl, raising concerns of sexual violence. Fortunately, negotiations concluded with her release after 46 days in captivity.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed awareness of the incident, emphasizing the administration’s priority of American safety without providing further details.

Mast expressed skepticism about further potential U.S. aid, pointing to the political roots of the gangs and the pillaging by local politicians. He commented on the possible return of Haitians in the U.S. after rescindment of their temporary protected status (TPS), saying this could boost local security forces.

“Reintegrating able-bodied males into police and military ranks could strengthen local defenses,” Mast suggested.