An undocumented Haitian was released from US border charges last year.
In recent months, the issue of Haitian migration has gained national attention.
An illegal immigrant from Haiti, who is now facing charges for drug and weapons offenses in Massachusetts, was released into the US by border officials last year. This comes as Haitian migration has emerged as a major political concern.
ICE's Boston division apprehended Gasnoy Saintilme on Aug. 26 at the Worcester District Court. The Haitian national is accused of conspiring to break drug laws, distributing drugs, manufacturing drugs, and illegally carrying a dangerous weapon.
In February 2023, Border Patrol encountered Saintilme who had entered the U.S. illegally. He was given a notice to appear before an immigration judge and was released on parole, according to ICE's statement.
On March 7, he was arrested in Worcester for conspiracy to violate drug laws, but was released on recognizance. Later, in April, he was arrested again for weapons and drug charges.
The sheriff's office notified ICE when the suspected illegal immigrant posted bail after ICE issued a detainer.
"ICE Enforcement and Removals Operation Boston Field Office Director Todd Lyons stated that Gasnoy Saintilme unlawfully entered the United States and has been charged with conspiracy, weapons charges, and attempting to manufacture and distribute poison in Massachusetts communities. He added that he is pleased that the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office honored their immigration detainer and transferred custody of Saintilme to ERO officers. Lyons emphasized that the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office remains a valued ally in their fight to prioritize public safety in Massachusetts neighborhoods. ERO Boston will continue their efforts to arrest and remove egregious noncitizen offenders from New England."
The arrest of Saintilme coincides with the ongoing debate over Haitian migration into the U.S., which has been a significant political issue. This week, former President Trump raised concerns about the challenges faced by the town of Springfield, Ohio, in dealing with an increase in Haitian migrants in recent years.
Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio announced that he will allocate resources to assist with the influx of approximately 20,000 Haitian migrants who have legally arrived in Springfield under the Biden-Harris administration.
The federal government should assist local communities that were not involved in the decision to allow people to enter, but are now facing a large influx of individuals, according to DeWine.
Last week, ICE officials in Massachusetts announced the arrest of a Haitian migrant who entered the U.S. through the parole process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV). The man is accused of molesting a 10-year-old boy who lived next door to him.
Last week in Mansfield, Massachusetts, about 45 minutes south of Boston, an 18-year-old named Akim Marc Desire was arrested by police and is being charged with indecent assault and battery on a child under age 14, according to law enforcement sources.
ICE recently apprehended a Haitian immigrant who had been released on a $500 bond despite being accused of raping a 15-year-old at a migrant hotel in the state.
Planet Chronicle' Michael Lee and Jamie Joseph contributed to this report.
politics
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