On Monday, July 28, 2025, the government of Haiti announced the implementation of a new protocol to manage the cases of Haitian nationals deported or extradited by foreign countries—particularly the United States—who are accused of financial crimes or suspected ties to terrorist groups. The announcement came via a statement from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) and outlined measures aimed at expediting judicial procedures and strengthening inter-agency cooperation.
“Any Haitian national expelled from the United States or any other country for alleged involvement in financial crimes or for providing support to criminal groups will be handed over, upon arrival in Haiti, to the Government Commissioner in proper legal custody,” the MJSP said in its official statement.
According to the ministry, individuals falling under this protocol may be detained at the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) or another facility deemed appropriate for their situation. The Government Commissioner is expected to swiftly compile the deportee’s legal file and forward it without delay to the investigative judge’s office.
The prosecutor’s office is also instructed to transmit any new evidence discovered to the investigating magistrate, who will be required to work closely with financial oversight institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), the Financial Intelligence Unit (UCREF), the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), and the Anti-Fraud Office (BAF). This inter-agency coordination is designed to ensure a more effective legal response.
The announcement of this protocol comes approximately 24 hours after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed plans to deport Haitian businessman Pierre Réginald Boulos, who was arrested in Florida on July 16. U.S. authorities accuse Boulos of concealing, in his asylum application, his alleged role in fomenting violence and supporting armed gangs as part of efforts to destabilize Haiti.
ICE indicated that Boulos—scheduled to appear before Judge Jorge Pereira on July 31, 2025—will be turned over to Haiti’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) upon arrival.
Pierre Réginald Boulos is a Haitian physician, entrepreneur, and political figure with significant influence in the country’s private sector. His family has often faced criticism for its perceived oligarchic power and for allegedly profiting from national crises to consolidate economic monopolies.
Presented as a step toward greater transparency and judicial efficiency, the new protocol may nonetheless spark concerns within Haitian civil society. Human rights organizations, in particular, could raise alarms about the potential for prolonged detention or unfair legal proceedings.
It remains to be seen in the coming weeks whether these measures will be implemented in practice and how effective they will prove in handling the first wave of deportee cases under the new system.
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