An investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has culminated in charges against a Rwandan man named Faustin Nsabumukunzi, residing in Bridgehampton, New York. The charges stem from allegations that he lied on his applications for legal status in the United States by concealing his past activities during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Nsabumukunzi, 65, reportedly held the position of “Sector Counselor” in Rwanda when the genocide unfolded. Between April and July 1994, violence ensued as members of the majority Hutu population targeted the minority Tutsis, leading to an estimated 800,000 deaths. It is alleged that Nsabumukunzi actively participated in these events, directing armed Hutus and erecting roadblocks to facilitate the killings. He is also said to have been convicted in absentia by a Rwandan court for his role in the genocide.
The investigation, spearheaded by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York acting Special Agent in Charge Darren B. McCormack, involved collaboration with the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. McCormack emphasized the commitment to ensuring that the U.S. does not harbor individuals involved in human rights violations, stating, “This defendant has been living in the United States for decades, hiding his alleged horrific conduct, human rights violations, and his role in these senseless atrocities against innocent Tutsis.”
Andre R. Watson, Assistant Director for National Security, underscored HSI’s resolve, saying, “We will work tirelessly to identify, investigate, and remove perpetrators of genocide, torture, war crimes, and other human rights violations and to ensure justice for their victims.”
The indictment further alleges that Nsabumukunzi applied for entry into the U.S. in 2003 and obtained a green card in 2007, with subsequent applications for naturalization in 2009 and 2015. During these processes, it is claimed he misrepresented his involvement in the genocide.
According to Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, “No matter how much time has passed, the Department of Justice will find and prosecute individuals who committed atrocities in their home countries and covered them up to gain entry and seek citizenship in the United States.”
U.S. Attorney John J. Durham commented on Nsabumukunzi’s actions and the resulting charges: “As alleged, Nsabumukunzi repeatedly lied to conceal his involvement in the horrific Rwandan genocide while seeking to become a lawful permanent resident and citizen of the United States.”
Nsabumukunzi now faces charges of visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud. If convicted, he could serve up to 30 years in prison.
The investigation, carried out by HSI’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge Long Island office, was supported by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center. Since 2003, HSI has been actively investigating suspected human rights violators, stopping over 390 such individuals from entering the U.S.
The public is encouraged to report information about former human rights violators in the U.S. by contacting the ICE Tip Line.
An indictment remains an allegation, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
