A federal immigration judge in Miami has ordered that Pierre Réginald Boulos, a prominent Haitian businessman and former presidential hopeful, be detained in the United States pending further proceedings. The decision comes after Boulos’s arrest earlier in July at his South Florida residence. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has accused Boulos of supporting violent gangs in Haiti, an action they state “contributed to Haiti’s destabilization.”
ICE officials described Boulos as the most high-profile Haitian national arrested to date as part of the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts. The hearing where the detention order was issued took place at the Krome North Service Processing Center. Authorities did not permit journalists access to the courtroom during the proceedings.
Boulos, who was reportedly born in the United States, is also facing allegations of failing to disclose crucial information on his residency application. Specifically, he is accused of not revealing his involvement in the formation of a political party. Furthermore, it is alleged that Haiti’s government had previously referred Boulos for prosecution concerning the misuse of loans, a detail reportedly omitted from his application.
The U.S. State Department has previously stated that certain individuals holding lawful permanent resident status in the United States have provided support to Haitian gang leaders. These gang leaders are reportedly associated with the Viv Ansanm, an organization designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization.
An attorney representing Pierre Réginald Boulos could not be reached for immediate comment regarding the judge’s detention order or the specific allegations against his client. The continued detention of Boulos marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to address alleged involvement in destabilizing activities in Haiti by individuals within the United States.
