ICE Detains Former Haitian Presidential Hopeful Over Alleged Gang Ties and Immigration Fraud

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken a Haitian-American political figure into custody, accusing him of supporting criminal organizations in Haiti and violating U.S. immigration laws.

On July 17, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations arrested Pierre Reginald Boulos, a lawful permanent resident of the United States and a Haitian national, for actions believed to contribute to political instability in Haiti. The agency alleges that Boulos engaged in activities that breached the Immigration and Nationality Act.

According to ICE, Boulos played a role in enabling gang-related violence in Haiti. U.S. officials argue that such support has fueled the ongoing unrest in the country, potentially leading to damaging repercussions for U.S. foreign policy in the region.

A statement from ICE said, “The State Department has identified U.S. residents who have assisted Haitian gang leaders associated with Viv Ansanm, a designated foreign terrorist group. Our government will not permit anyone to benefit from U.S. residency while aiding terrorist or criminal entities abroad.”

In addition to alleged gang affiliations, Boulos is also accused of concealing key aspects of his political and financial history. Authorities claim he failed to disclose his founding of a Haitian political group, the Mouvement pour la Transformation et la Valorisation d’Haïti (MTVAyiti), as well as previous allegations of loan misuse referred by Haiti’s anti-corruption unit. ICE contends these omissions amount to immigration fraud and could result in his removal from the country.

“This arrest is another example of the Trump administration’s unwavering focus on safeguarding the homeland, defending national interests, and enhancing stability throughout the region,” the agency added.

Boulos is currently being held at an ICE detention facility in Miami while investigations continue. His case is being reviewed by several U.S. government entities, including the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service and the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

According to the official website of MTVAyiti, the political movement Boulos helped establish is rooted in Haitian nationalism and economic reform, drawing on the principles of historical figures such as King Henri Christophe and Jean-Jacques Dessalines.