The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was preparing to deport Paul Pierrilus (40) to Haiti, although he had never visited this country in his life. Paul Pierrilus, whose parents are originally from Haiti but have become American citizens, was arrested on January 11 and taken to an immigration office for a routine visit where he learned, to his greater surprise, that the office was holding documents proving that he was a Haitian citizen.

Neomie, Pierrilus's sister, claims the opposite, showing her brother's birth certificate which proves that he was born on the French territory of Saint-Martin. She also provided copies of emails from former Haitian Ambassador Hervé Denis, who confirms that her brother is not a Haitian citizen.

Guerline Jozef, Head of the Haitian Bridge Alliance community group, also criticized the Trump Administration's decision to deport Pierrilus to Haiti because of the man's null connection with the culture, language and citizens of Haiti. .

Last minute : "After many interventions of the Embassy of Haiti in Washington Mr Paul Pierrilus was removed from the flight to PAP. We will continue to cooperate with relevant US authorities but within the limit of established principles. Mr Pierrilus isn’t a Haitian Citizen & thus can’t be sent to Haiti," Haiti Ambassador to Washington D.C. Bocchit Edmond said.

HL/ HaitiLibre