Statement: Pierre Réginald Boulos Implicated in Campaign of Violence and Support for Gangs

MIAMI — On July 17, agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations unit arrested Pierre Réginald Boulos, a lawful permanent resident of the United States and a Haitian citizen, for violating the Immigration and Nationality Act by contributing to the destabilization of Haiti. This case was conducted jointly with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate. The Department of State determined that Boulos’s presence or activities in the United States could have serious consequences for U.S. foreign policy, thus providing grounds for removal. Authorities concluded that he engaged in a campaign of violence and support for gangs, contributing to the destabilization of Haiti. Furthermore, when applying to become a lawful permanent resident, Boulos failed to disclose his involvement in the formation of a political party in Haiti, the Movement for the Transformation and Valorization of Haiti. He had also been referred for prosecution by the Haitian government’s Anti-Corruption Unit for misuse of loans, providing an additional ground for removal based on fraud.
He is currently detained by ICE, within the Enforcement and Removal Operations division. The Department of State also established that certain lawful permanent residents in the United States have supported and collaborated with Haitian gang leaders linked to Viv Ansanm, a foreign terrorist organization designated by U.S. authorities. The United States will not allow individuals to enjoy the benefits of legal status on its territory while facilitating the actions of violent organizations or supporting criminal terrorist groups abroad. Based on this determination, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is able to initiate removal proceedings against these individuals under Section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. These new measures demonstrate the Trump administration’s firm commitment to protecting the American people, defending U.S. national security interests, and promoting security and stability in the region. End