U.S. warns against travel to Haiti amid rising crime and unrest

The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory designating Haiti as a 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' due to escalating violent crime and civil unrest. The country has been under a state of emergency since March, with rampant gang activity leading to widespread kidnappings, robberies, and assaults. U.S. citizens have been particularly vulnerable, with many falling victim to kidnappers who often demand ransoms. The situation is exacerbated by frequent protests and roadblocks that disrupt daily life and can turn violent. In recent months, the political landscape in Haiti has been tumultuous. Following the assassination of the previous leader, Ariel Henry, a transitional council appointed Edgard Gardy Leblanc Fils as temporary president and Fritz Belizaire as interim prime minister. These leaders are expected to govern until early 2026, with hopes of stabilizing the security situation enough to hold nationwide elections. However, public sentiment towards Henry was largely negative, with many viewing him as corrupt and ineffective. The ongoing gang violence has severely impacted the lives of nearly three million residents in Port-au-Prince, as reported in July. Despite the arrival of Kenyan police officers as part of a UN-backed multinational force, the crisis persists, highlighting the challenges in restoring order. The U.S. government has acknowledged its limited capacity to assist citizens in Haiti, further complicating the situation for those who may find themselves in danger. The tragic deaths of Missouri State Rep. Ben Baker's daughter and son-in-law, who were killed by gangs while on a mission trip, underscore the dire circumstances in Haiti. This incident has drawn attention to the risks associated with travel to the country, reinforcing the U.S. government's warnings against visiting Haiti amid the ongoing violence and instability.