US Funding Complications Delay Full GSF Pre-deployment as Gang Violence Continues

As of late March 2026, the United States froze a portion of its direct funding contribution to the Gang Suppression Force mission, creating uncertainty around the force's timeline despite El Salvador having deployed approximately 70 advance personnel. The funding freeze came even as the Dominican Republic's Foreign Minister confirmed the transition would continue through October 2026. Analysts noted that the outgoing MSS never exceeded 40% of its planned 2,500-person strength, and cautioned that the GSF — authorized at 5,550 — faced similar challenges given funding uncertainty, training gaps, and the gangs' superior local knowledge and firepower. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, UN Special Representative for Haiti and head of BINUH, continued to press the UN Security Council on the urgency of full GSF deployment.