Firearms trafficked from the U.S. into Haiti are arming powerful gangs that have overrun the capital, Port-au-Prince, destabilising the country and straining international peacekeeping efforts, including Kenya’s planned police mission to restore order.
Lawmakers and reports confirm that most of the illegal weapons fuelling this violence originate from Florida, U.S.
The weapons, though initially sold legally in the U.S., are smuggled via shipping routes like the Miami River and Port Everglades and end up in the hands of criminal groups.
Florida, a Primary Source of Illegal Arms in the U.S.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Miramar), along with more than 30 U.S. lawmakers, has written to the Trump administration demanding stronger action to halt the flow of arms.
“The unabated flow of illicit arms to Haiti doesn’t just represent a threat to the safety of millions of Haitians, it threatens U.S. national security,” the lawmakers warned in their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
“These weapons are enabling gangs that now control over 90% of the capital to commit mass violence,” said Cherfilus-McCormick
The letter states that 90% of firearms destined for the Caribbean are shipped from Florida.
Also Read: Kenyan Police Helpless as Gangs Take Over Haiti’s Capital
The gangs, emboldened by these weapons, have displaced over a million people and killed thousands.
U.N. Confirms Growing Crisis
A UN report released Friday shows that between April and June 2025, at least 1,520 people were killed and more than 600 were injured.
Most incidents occurred in Port-au-Prince, where over 90% of the city is now under gang control. Nearly 20% of the violence was reported in Haiti’s central region.
Over 60% of those deaths occurred during operations by security forces, and another 12% were linked to self-defence groups.
“Illicit U.S. guns are not only devastating Haiti, but they also pose a direct threat to American national security,” read the report.
Legislative Push and Recommended Measures
To stop further smuggling, lawmakers want enhanced screening of cargo at Florida’s ports by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Also Read: Future of Haiti Mission Hangs in the Balance After UN Warning
They propose collaboration with the ATF to trace firearms, closure of loopholes that allow shipments below Ksh 325,000 to go unverified, and cooperation with the Dominican Republic to intercept arms at the border.
Cherfilus-McCormick has introduced the Caribbean Anti-Smuggling of Trafficked Arms Act, which is pending in the House Armed Services Committee.
The lawmakers warned that the instability in Haiti is spreading and could impact regional and U.S. security if unchecked.
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