The United States is intensifying its efforts to hold Haiti’s political and economic elite accountable, as both the Department of State and federal immigration authorities took major actions this week against high-profile Haitian figures.
On Monday, the State Department publicly designated Arnel Belizaire, a former member of Haiti’s Chamber of Deputies, and Antonio Cheramy, a former Haitian senator, for their involvement in significant corruption during their time in public office.
According to U.S. officials, both men abused their positions by interfering with government processes, acts that destabilized Haiti’s institutions and undercut democratic governance.
The designations render Belizaire, Cheramy, and their immediate family members generally ineligible to enter the United States.
“Corrupt and destructive acts by these officials had serious effects on U.S. national interests by further destabilizing Haiti’s institutions and processes,” the department stated.
The designation further underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to holding accountable individuals who undermine stability in Haiti.
The following day, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the arrest of Dimitri Vorbe, one of Haiti’s wealthiest and most influential businessmen.
Vorbe, who has long been a central figure in Haiti’s private energy sector, was taken into custody in Miami and is currently being held at the Krome North Service Processing Center.
Federal records showed no formal charges against him as of Tuesday evening, and ICE officials declined to comment further.
Vorbe’s detention comes just two months after ICE arrested another Haitian business tycoon, Réginald Boulos, in Florida.
U.S. authorities have accused Boulos of supporting violent gangs in Haiti that Washington has labeled terrorist organizations.
Hellbound and Down 