Prominent Haitian Figure Pierre Réginald Boulos Arrested in Miami

San Juan (Puerto Rico), July 22 (AP) - Authorities in Miami have apprehended Pierre Réginald Boulos, a distinguished Haitian entrepreneur and former presidential candidate. Boulos was detained at his South Florida residence late last week, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Boulos, originally a U.S. citizen, renounced his citizenship to pursue the presidency in Haiti and secured U.S. residency last year under the Biden administration.

Despite previous denials of numerous corruption accusations, Boulos has become the most prominent Haitian arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

In a recent statement, ICE explained that Boulos was involved in promoting violence and supporting gangs, activities that have significantly contributed to Haiti's ongoing instability.

Boulos is alleged to have omitted details regarding his formation of a political party and a referral for prosecution related to loan misuse from his residency application.

The Department of State highlighted that some lawful permanent residents have been implicated in aiding Haitian gang leaders, specifically those linked to Viv Ansanm, a recognized foreign terrorist organization. The U.S. remains firm on not providing legal benefits to individuals facilitating or supporting violent or criminal terrorist activities abroad. Attempts to reach Boulos's attorney for comment have been unsuccessful.

Boulos is currently detained at the Krome North Service Processing Centre in Miami, a facility recently criticized by Human Rights Watch for severe overcapacity and extensive human rights violations.

An influential figure in Haiti, Boulos founded multiple businesses and held the position of president for the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 2019, he launched the Third Way Movement, a political party opposing corrupt elites and politicians that exacerbate national hardships.

The party advocated for a strategic political compromise to negotiate the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse, who was assassinated in 2021. Several suspects, including seventeen former Colombian military officials, have been detained, with investigations ongoing.

Following Moïse's assassination, and the ensuing surge of gang violence, Boulos returned to the U.S.

His arrest coincides with the Trump administration's efforts to terminate legal protections previously granted to thousands of Haitians, a move that has stirred controversy. Rod Joseph, a Haitian-American political candidate, expressed cautious support for the deportation of criminals but voiced concerns over the removal of non-criminal individuals seeking refuge and better opportunities.

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