标签： Haiti

Port-au-Prince Mayor Ralph Youri Chevry has publicly condemned an early morning police raid on his private residence that he claims violated constitutional protections and standard legal procedures. The incident occurred between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. in the Juvenat neighborhood, involving multiple armed police units under the direction of Government Commissioner Fritz Patterson Dorval.

According to Mayor Chevry, the operation began with gunshots that awakened him and resulted in the unjustified killing of his dog. He emphasized that no search warrant was presented despite his repeated requests, and no formal charges were brought against him during the nearly three-hour operation. One of his security agents was temporarily arrested but later released in the Delmas area.

The police confiscated several weapons assigned to the mayor’s security detail, including a Galil AC 22 (Taurus), a T4, an AR-15 rifle, along with ammunition, a communication radio, and a surveillance drone.

In his official statement, Mayor Chevry cited Article 24.1 of Haiti’s 1987 Constitution, which establishes the inviolability of homes and requires that any search be conducted according to legally prescribed procedures. He further referenced the Code of Criminal Procedure, which mandates that searches must be authorized by a competent judge, accompanied by a reasoned warrant, and executed in the presence of witnesses.

Despite what he characterized as procedural violations, Chevry stated that he cooperated ‘calmly and responsibly’ during the operation, acknowledging the ‘specific circumstances’ while reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law, legal procedures, and transparency. The mayor emphasized his continued devotion to Port-au-Prince and Haiti, promising to provide further clarification through appropriate legal channels with his counsel.

He concluded by urging respect for established facts to prevent ‘confusion or manipulation’ of the incident, which raises significant questions about police procedures and constitutional protections in Haiti’s ongoing governance challenges.

In a significant immigration policy shift, the Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of all categorical Family Reunification Parole (FRP) programs for nationals from seven countries, including Haiti, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The decision, effective immediately, marks a dramatic reversal from previous administration policies.

The DHS justification centers on addressing what it characterizes as systemic vulnerabilities in the humanitarian parole system. Administration officials contend that the FRP programs enabled insufficiently vetted individuals to bypass established immigration protocols, creating potential national security risks. The department emphasized that parole authority was never intended for broad categorical use but rather for individualized case assessments as originally mandated by Congress.

According to the federal notice published in the Federal Register, current FRP beneficiaries will see their parole status terminate on January 14, 2026, unless they have pending Form I-485 applications postmarked by December 15, 2025. Those with pending applications may maintain parole status until either their parole period expires or USCIS renders a final decision on their adjustment of status application.

The policy change carries substantial implications for employment authorization, as termination of parole status will automatically revoke work permits derived from that parole. DHS has committed to providing individual notifications to affected persons regarding both parole termination and employment authorization revocation.

The department is implementing a structured departure process, encouraging individuals without lawful status after program termination to utilize the CBP Home application to coordinate their departure. Financial incentives including exit bonuses, travel document assistance, and civil fine forgiveness are being offered to qualifying individuals who voluntarily depart by the established deadline.

WASHINGTON D.C. – In a significant diplomatic move, Haiti’s Interim President and Transition Council Coordinator Laurent Saint-Cyr commenced a pivotal two-day mission to the United States capital on December 11, 2025. This high-stakes visit represents a crucial effort by Haiti’s transitional leadership to address the nation’s multifaceted crisis through international cooperation.

The Washington mission focuses on securing essential international backing for two critical initiatives: the rapid deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and the comprehensive implementation of the Organization of American States (OAS) Roadmap. These parallel efforts constitute the foundation of Haiti’s strategy to restore national security and establish conditions conducive to democratic processes.

This diplomatic engagement follows productive discussions held in New York on December 9 regarding international contributions to the GSF, where several nations and global partners expressed concrete support for the security initiative. During his Washington visit, Saint-Cyr will participate in the OAS-convened Group of Friends of Haiti meeting alongside numerous high-level bilateral, regional, and multilateral discussions.

The agenda centers on three priority areas: enhancing security measures, coordinating humanitarian response efforts, and establishing frameworks for credible electoral processes. The OAS Roadmap, developed through collaborative dialogue between the international organization and Haitian authorities, will feature prominently in all negotiations.

Saint-Cyr emphasized the Transitional Council’s dedication to strengthening strategic alliances and reinvigorating Haiti’s diplomatic presence to effectively combat the security crisis, protect vulnerable populations, and create necessary conditions for free and inclusive elections. The interim president is scheduled to return to Port-au-Prince on December 13, 2025, following the conclusion of these critical diplomatic meetings.