Department of State confirms arrest of Boulos for 'destabilizing Haiti'

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the arrest of Haitian businessman Pierre Réginald Boulos.

In a statement issued Monday, July 21, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Boulos, a permanent U.S. resident, was arrested July 17, 2025, for “violating the Immigration and Nationality Act contributing to the destabilization of Haiti.”

The Department of State said Boulos “engaged in a campaign of violence and gang support that contributed to Haiti’s destabilization.”

According to earlier reports, Boulos was arrested at his home in South Florida. In their statement, the State Department said they had determined that Boulos’ presence and activities in the United States posed “potential serious adverse foreign policy consequences,” forming the legal basis for his removal.

Officials said Boulos failed to disclose his involvement in forming a political party in Haiti during his application for U.S. permanent residency.

They also cited a referral for prosecution by Haiti’s Unit for the Fight Against Corruption, alleging Boulos misused loans, further supporting charges of immigration fraud.

Born in New York to Haitian parents, Boulos renounced his U.S. citizenship to run for president of Haiti under his MTV d’Haïti party.