Federal immigration authorities have detained Pierre Réginald Boulos, a former presidential candidate in Haiti and lawful permanent U.S. resident, citing alleged connections to violent gangs and immigration fraud.
According to ICE, Boulos’ actions contributed to instability in the Caribbean nation and posed potential risks to U.S. foreign policy interests.
“The Department of State has determined that certain individuals with U.S. lawful permanent resident status have supported and collaborated with Haitian gang leaders connected to Viv Ansanm, a Haitian foreign terrorist organization,” ICE said in a press release.
Accusations of Immigration Fraud
Federal officials also allege that Boulos did not disclose his role in founding a Haitian political party known as MTVAyiti (Mouvement pour la Transformation et la Valorisation d’Haiti). Additionally, he has been referred by Haiti’s anti-corruption unit for allegedly misusing loan funds—details that ICE says could constitute immigration fraud under U.S. law.
