ICE Announces Formal Policy To Resume Deportations To Haiti

Policy Jeopardizes Health And Safety Of Deportees, Says ACLU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org

WASHINGTON – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has formally resumed deportations to Haiti, despite the objections of the American Civil Liberties Union and other human rights and humanitarian groups. The ACLU strongly opposes deportations because of dangerous conditions in Haiti in the wake of last year’s catastrophic earthquake and the ensuing cholera epidemic.

The following can be attributed to Joanne Lin, ACLU Legislative Counsel:

“Deporting anyone to Haiti while conditions in that country remain so dangerous is a shocking affront to human rights that shows a disregard for the safety of those being removed. With Haiti still reeling from the aftermath of last year’s devastating earthquake, it is irresponsible to force anyone to return before conditions on the ground become stable. The United States should strive to be a leader on human rights, but this policy ignores the recommendations of the international human rights community and could amount to a death sentence for those being deported. We urge the administration to reconsider and immediately reverse its decision before more people are put into danger.”