Pierre Reginald Boulos, one of Haiti’s wealthiest and most politically influential businessmen, has been arrested in Florida by U.S. immigration authorities over allegations that he supported violent gangs in Haiti. The 69-year-old, a permanent U.S. resident, was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations last week in Palm Beach County.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Boulos was involved in a “campaign of violence and gang support” that has contributed to Haiti’s worsening security crisis. Once a powerful figure in Haiti, Boulos built his fortune through a supermarket chain and car dealership and previously held leadership roles in Haiti’s Chamber of Commerce.
The U.S. government alleges Boulos helped traffic weapons and drugs, and that his actions have had “serious adverse foreign policy consequences” for the United States. Although Boulos was born in New York, he renounced his citizenship to run for office in Haiti, later returning to the U.S. in 2021 and acquiring a green card.
He’s also accused of failing to disclose key facts during his immigration process, including his political involvement and a criminal referral for financial misuse. These omissions formed the basis of ICE’s deportation case.
Boulos has denied direct support of gang leaders, claiming in past interviews that he only helped “community leaders,” even if some later turned into gang figures. Critics, however, say Haiti’s elite played a key role in enabling the rise of these armed groups.
His arrest marks a significant shift in how U.S. authorities are addressing the root causes of Haiti’s gang violence, potentially signaling more actions against influential figures previously considered untouchable.
