On July 17, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations arrested Pierre Reginald Boulos, a lawful permanent resident of the United States and citizen of Haiti. The arrest was for violations under the Immigration and Nationality Act due to activities contributing to the destabilization of Haiti. This investigation involved collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate.
The Department of State concluded that Boulos’ presence in the United States could have serious foreign policy consequences for the country, providing grounds for his removability charge. Officials accused him of engaging in violence and supporting gangs, which contributed to instability in Haiti. Moreover, it was found that he failed to disclose his role in forming a political party in Haiti during his application for lawful permanent residency. He also faced prosecution by Haiti’s Unit for the Fight Against Corruption over loan misuse, further justifying removability based on fraud allegations. Currently, Boulos is detained by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.
The Department of State identified individuals with U.S. lawful permanent resident status who supported Haitian gang leaders linked to Viv Ansanm, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by Haiti. The United States emphasizes that individuals should not benefit from legal status while facilitating violent or criminal organizations abroad.
These determinations enable the Department of Homeland Security to seek removal under section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. These actions reflect an ongoing commitment by authorities to protect American citizens, enhance national security interests, and ensure regional stability.
