The United Nations chief is warning that gangs in Haiti could overrun the capital, Port-au-Prince, leading to a complete breakdown of government authority without additional international support for the beleaguered national police.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro arrived in Haiti's southeastern city of Jacmel on Wednesday afternoon in a rare visit by a foreign head of state to the Caribbean nation, as Haiti endures an extended conflict with armed gangs.

Haiti's capital could become overrun by criminal gangs if the international community does not step up aid to a UN-backed security mission there, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warned in a report Wednesday.

The latest attacks occurred a day after gangs shot up an armored vehicle belonging to the U.S. Embassy in Haiti.

Just a few hours after being sworn in as American President, Donald Trump signed a series of decrees targeting immigration, a key theme of his program. His plans to restrict asylum rights and

Gang violence in Haiti has led to the displacement of more than 700,000 people, forcing them to flee their homes for safety. Critics fault U.S. strategy amid escalating unrest.

Under the Biden administration, migrants from embattled countries could apply for entry for humanitarian reasons, without having to attempt to cross into the U.S. illegally.

The president sought to end a program that allowed migrants fleeing Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Haiti to fly into the United States and remain in the country for up to two years.

There are still significant challenges with the funding that were already there with the Biden administration.”

Citizens of 17 countries where conditions are deemed unsafe for immigrants’ return are currently allowed to live and work in the United States under temporary protected status.

The Tampa Bay Times e-Newspaper is a digital replica of the printed paper seven days a week that is available to read on desktop, mobile, and our app for subscribers only. To enjoy the e-Newspaper every day, please subscribe.