The United States Department of State has initiated unprecedented sanctions targeting members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), marking a significant escalation in international response to the Caribbean nation’s ongoing crisis. In an official statement released on January 26, 2026, the agency announced visa restrictions and revocations against two CPT representatives and their immediate family members.
The sanctions stem from compelling evidence linking these officials to criminal networks operating within Haiti. According to the State Department, the targeted individuals have actively participated in gang operations and criminal organizations, including deliberate obstruction of governmental efforts to combat U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).
This decisive action leverages Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which prohibits entry to individuals whose activities may produce serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. The implementation of these measures reflects Washington’s growing impatience with Haiti’s political leadership amid escalating gang violence that has paralyzed the nation.
While maintaining its commitment to Haitian stability, the U.S. administration emphasized its determination to hold accountable those perpetuating violence and political instability. The statement notably echoed the Haitian populace’s exhaustion with relentless gang warfare, infrastructure destruction, and political infighting. In a clear warning to other potentially complicit officials, the announcement underscored the Trump Administration’s resolve to pursue additional accountability measures against actors destabilizing Haiti and the broader region.
The identities of the sanctioned individuals remain confidential, consistent with standard diplomatic protocols regarding visa restriction disclosures.