The HAITI-DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Border – Haiti has been an epicenter of suffering for many decades, and now the people are being suffocated by dangerous, powerful gangs. It comes as Haiti's downward spiral into a failed state has intensified lately. In January, its last 10 elected senators stepped down, leaving the Caribbean country without a functioning government. The result is anarchy as armed and violent gangs rule the streets.
The U.S. government is working with Haitian authorities to try to free 17 U.S. and Canadian missionaries from a U.S.-based missionary group, abducted by a gang notorious for killings, kidnappings, and extortion.