A U.S. military aircraft carrying roughly 20 Haitian nationals deported from the United States landed at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince on June 17, 2025. The deportations are part of ongoing U.S. immigration enforcement policies focused primarily on individuals with criminal records.
While official details about the charges have not been disclosed, sources say the repatriated individuals were allegedly involved in criminal activity during their time in the U.S. The operation falls under existing bilateral agreements between the two countries regarding the return of foreign nationals.
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Though not unprecedented, these deportations pose significant challenges for Haiti. Many of those returned have spent the majority of their lives in the United States and now face the harsh reality of reintegration into a country struggling with widespread insecurity, economic instability, and limited government services.
After landing, the deportees were handed over to Haitian immigration officials. However, due to a lack of infrastructure, most receive little to no long-term support—neither social services nor psychological assistance.
Another group of approximately 60 Haitian nationals is expected to arrive in the coming days via Cap-Haïtien International Airport, according to sources close to the matter.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about the country’s lack of a formal reception and reintegration system. Many are calling on the Haitian government to improve support services for deportees—especially those who left the country as children—and to strengthen diplomatic efforts aimed at securing more humane treatment for its returning citizens.
