AGP Executive Report

Kenscoff Massacre & Hostage Crisis: The UN says armed men attacked the once-peaceful Kenscoff area near Port-au-Prince, killing at least 47 and kidnapping more than 50, with reports that 22 were executed at a church shelter; residents accuse police of failing to protect people near the police station, while a gang leader threatens to kill hostages if authorities strike. Security Spread Beyond the Capital: A UN update warns Haiti’s gang violence is spreading geographically even as anti-gang pressure increases in the Port-au-Prince metro, driving displacement and more attacks on communities and shelters. Elections Under Fire: In Haiti’s Northeast, voter registration has reached over 30,500 so far, but insecurity and doubts about state capacity to guarantee credible polls continue to shadow the election timeline. US Immigration Crackdown Ripple Effects: New US figures show ICE arrested 49,571 people in July—record-high for the second Trump term—while Haiti-linked deportations continue after TPS ends, adding pressure to families already coping with violence at home. Religious Freedom Under Siege: Reports from Kenscoff highlight attacks on a church sheltering displaced people, raising concerns that gang control is eroding basic rights and safety.

Kenscoff Massacre: UN chief António Guterres condemned a weekend gang attack in Kenscoff that killed at least 47 people, with reports of executions inside a church sheltering displaced families; more than 50 were kidnapped and 22 injured as police pushed back attackers and homes were set on fire. Public Order & Accountability: Haitian rights groups and residents are demanding action after the killings near a police station, including calls for the local police chief to step down and renewed pressure on authorities to hold perpetrators accountable through specialized justice units. Election Stakes: The violence is intensifying fears about Haiti’s ability to hold credible elections planned for December, with insecurity and weak institutional guarantees still undermining the process. Voter Registration Update: In the Northeast, more than 30,500 people have registered since July 20, but confusion and security concerns remain as registration continues. Diaspora & Policy Fallout: In the U.S., DHS says 162 Haitians were deported after TPS ended, including people described as having gang ties or violent criminal convictions, while Haitian communities in places like Springfield and Long Island report fear and disruption.

Kenscoff Massacre: Armed members of the Viv Ansanm coalition stormed a church sheltering displaced people in Kenscoff, killing about 40 to 47 people (UN) with dozens wounded; Mayor Massillon Jean described “a night of terror,” with execution-style killings, kidnappings, and homes burned as searches continued. Government Response: Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé’s office condemned the “heinous attack,” pledged reinforcements, and said Kenscoff “will not be abandoned,” while residents and rights groups renewed calls for stronger local police protection. Security Pressure Ahead of Elections: The attack adds to mounting pressure as Haiti prepares for its Dec. 13 elections amid gang control expanding around Port-au-Prince and nearly 1.5 million people already displaced. U.S. Deportations After TPS End: Separately, DHS/ICE reported the first deportation flight of Haitians after TPS ended, including people with serious criminal records, raising concerns about further destabilization as violence worsens at home. Diplomacy & Local Governance: In Gonaïves, Public Works and Environment ministers met church leadership and discussed peace, citizenship, and environmental priorities like waste management and flood-risk controls.

Gang Violence in Kenscoff: A deadly raid by Viv Ansanm hit Kenscoff near Port-au-Prince, with the mayor Jean Massillon and rights groups reporting at least 30 dead and survivors describing bodies left in the streets after arson and attacks on homes and a church. Government Security Push: Haiti’s prime minister’s office said all forces were on high alert and vowed Kenscoff “will not be abandoned,” as the UN warns violence has displaced 1.5 million people. Elections Under Strain: The flare-up lands as Haiti prepares for its first general election in more than a decade, with gangs controlling an estimated 70% of the capital area. US Deportations After TPS End: The first major deportation flight after TPS termination landed in Cap-Haïtien, and reporting says deportees included people with criminal records—while Haitian communities in the US report ICE targeting and detentions. Immigration Court Win (US): A US judge struck down a Trump policy suspending immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, restoring case-by-case review that includes Haiti among affected nations. Culture & Development: The Lakaywood Film Festival in Cap-Haïtien promoted Haitian cinema as a tool for socio-economic development.

ICE Crackdown in Springfield: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has begun targeting Haitians in Springfield, Ohio after Temporary Protected Status ended, with at least 29 detained by Friday and the mayor confirming federal enforcement activity; residents and Haitian community groups say arrests are spreading fear and shutting down local businesses. TPS Fallout for Haiti: With TPS protections ended for 13 nationalities, the first deportation flights to Haiti have already arrived, while advocates warn families face detention and removal with limited legal options. Court Fight Over Visas: A federal judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension, ruling it was “patently unlawful” and violated immigration law by denying visas based on nationality—an outcome welcomed by Caribbean immigration advocates. Haiti in the U.S. Legal Crosshairs: Even as visa processing restrictions are blocked, Haitians in the U.S. are still facing enforcement, including electronic monitoring tied to removal proceedings. Sports & National Pride: Haiti named Spanish coach David Badía as head of the men’s team, with Nations League action starting Sept. 24. Commemoration: UNESCO marked Aug. 23 with a renewed call to remember the transatlantic slave trade and its abolition, linking the observance to Haiti’s 1791 uprising.

Haiti-US Migration Shock: The U.S. ended Temporary Protected Status for the last of 13 nationalities, including Haiti, and ICE has begun deportations—over 160 people landed in Cap-Haïtien after the first post-TPS flight, while reports also describe ICE arrests of hundreds of Haitians in Ohio. Courts vs. Trump Immigration: A federal judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension as “patently unlawful,” ordering consular officers to resume normal, individualized reviews—an important legal win even as removals to Haiti continue. Elections & Security Pressure: The OAS and partners are urging Haiti to speed up election preparations and restore security ahead of the long-delayed vote. Football & National Pride: Haiti’s federation named Spanish coach David Badía as head of the men’s team, with his first competitive match set for Sept. 24 in the Concacaf Nations League. Regional Sports Moment: Haiti dethroned Jamaica to win the CFU U-14 boys Tier 1 title 4-0 in the Dominican Republic. Public Safety & Crime: Haiti police are investigating the stabbing death of a U.S. citizen security chief for a major tobacco company in Port-au-Prince.

US–Haiti Migration & Courts: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s blanket suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Haiti, saying the policy was “contrary to law” and exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s authority, meaning consular officers must resume individualized reviews. Deportations to Haiti: ICE carried out the first large deportation flight to Haiti since TPS ended, landing in Cap-Haïtien instead of Port-au-Prince due to gang control and security risks; Haitian officials said returnees included former TPS holders and people with prior US prison sentences. Enforcement Pressure on Haitians in the US: Reports say ICE has arrested about 300 Haitians in Ohio and is shifting toward “find and arrest” for those who did not report after TPS ended, raising fears of wider crackdowns. Security & Elections Context: The OAS and partners continue urging Haiti to accelerate election preparations and election security as the political calendar approaches. International Funding Signal: The US notified Congress it plans to pay $850 million toward UN dues, including $125 million for UN peacekeeping operations in Haiti and Congo.

Deportations Begin in Earnest: The first major U.S. deportation flight to Haiti since TPS ended landed in Cap-Haïtien, not Port-au-Prince, as gangs reportedly control much of the capital; returnees included former TPS holders and people with prior U.S. prison records, while activists warn arrests are now ramping up. ICE Crackdown Signals Expansion: Reports say ICE has arrested roughly 300 Haitians in Ohio and is shifting toward “find and arrest” for those who didn’t report after TPS expired. Courtroom Setback for Trump Immigration Rules: A U.S. federal judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension, ruling it was “patently unlawful” and exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s authority—potentially reopening some visa processing for Haitians and others. U.N. Money, Haiti Tied In: The U.S. notified Congress it plans to pay $850 million toward UN dues, including $125 million for UN peacekeeping operations in Haiti. Regional Politics, Not Just Borders: Mexico abstained in an OAS vote on Nicaragua, with Haiti and Venezuela absent—another sign of shifting regional alignments. Sports Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago’s Derek King says his team is ready for the Concacaf Nations League opener vs Haiti in Kingston on Sept. 23.

Deportations After TPS End: The first major U.S. deportation flight since ending Temporary Protected Status for about 350,000 Haitians landed in Cap-Haïtien with 161 people, as Port-au-Prince remains too dangerous for commercial flights due to gang control; arrivals covered their faces and included people with TPS histories and those with prior U.S. prison time, while Haitian migration officials said they’ll provide short-term support and aim to reunify families. ICE Pressure at Home: In the U.S., advocates report ICE arrests and detentions of Haitians in places like Springfield, fueling fear of family separation and renewed uncertainty for communities already coping with the TPS shutdown. Election Readiness & ID Systems: Amid the crisis, Haiti is also moving on governance capacity—an OAS-Japan deal is funding biometric ID expansion tied to election preparations, as regional bodies urge Haiti to accelerate security and electoral timelines. National Memory: Haiti officially made Aug. 14 (Bois-Caïman) a national holiday, with Aug. 15 also observed, marking a two-day August observance tied to revolutionary unity. Regional Sports: Trinidad and Tobago confirmed Nations League Group A fixtures against Haiti starting Sept. 24 in Kingston, with Haiti also set for home games in Kingston.

Deportations Begin in Earnest: The U.S. carried out its first major deportation flight to Haiti after ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS), landing 161 people in Cap-Haïtien instead of Port-au-Prince due to gang violence and a ban on commercial flights to the capital. Haitian officials say arrivals include former TPS holders and people with U.S. prison sentences, with limited aid on arrival (food and up to $65) and plans to move people toward their homes. Community Fear in the U.S.: In Springfield, advocates report ICE arrests and detentions of Haitians tied to TPS ending, with families describing panic and uncertainty as some fear forced return. Diplomacy & Security Signals: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Canada’s FM Anita Anand discussed Haiti security and governance priorities with a focus on election preparation and regional cooperation. Election Readiness via IDs: Haiti’s biometric ID push got a $3M OAS-Japan boost aimed at supporting civil registry updates and election logistics amid displacement and insecurity. National Memory: Haiti declared Aug. 14 (Bois-Caïman) a national holiday, adding a new two-day August observance tied to the Revolution and national unity.

Deportations to Haiti: The first U.S. deportation flight after the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for about 350,000 Haitians landed in Cap-Haïtien with 161 people aboard, as Port-au-Prince remains too dangerous for commercial flights amid gang violence; Haiti’s migration office said some passengers were TPS holders while others had served prison sentences, and many feared gang retaliation. ICE enforcement pressure: Separate reporting says ICE activity is ramping up in U.S. cities with Haitian communities, including in Ohio, where people are being summoned for check-ins and some fitted with ankle monitors—raising fears of family separation and deeper instability. Diplomacy and elections: The OAS and Japan signed a $3M deal to expand Haiti’s biometric ID system ahead of the December 13 vote, while the OAS secretary general urged urgent acceleration on voter registration, identification, and clear candidate rules. US-Canada coordination: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Canada’s FM Anita Anand to align on Haiti, Venezuela, Cuba governance reforms, and regional security, including joint work tied to Haiti’s election and stability efforts. TPS pushback in Congress: Rep. Ami Bera urged the Trump administration to restore TPS for Haitians after a recent visit to Port-au-Prince, arguing conditions still include widespread violence, displacement, hunger, and service collapse.

OAS Election Push: OAS Secretary-General Albert Ramdin wrapped a Haiti visit urging “urgent acceleration” of the December 13 vote, calling for faster voter registration and ID work, stronger public voter outreach, and clear rules for candidates as gang violence threatens access and confidence. Security & Logistics for Polling: Ramdin said the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force needs more personnel, equipment, and funding, with priorities including securing the road to the airport and restoring safe passage to the south—conditions he linked directly to whether elections can be credible. OAS-Japan ID Deal: The OAS and Japan approved a $3M agreement to help Haiti expand its ID system ahead of elections, aimed at updating voter lists and supporting registration. South Florida Politics: In Florida’s HD 108, former Sen. Daphne Campbell won a Democratic primary for the open seat, setting up a November general election in a district that includes Little Haiti and a large Haitian-American community. Haitian TPS Fallout in the U.S.: With Haiti’s TPS ended, Haitian families in places like Little Haiti (Miami) and New York report fear, reduced daily activity, and mounting pressure for housing and healthcare as immigration enforcement ramps up.

OAS-Election Security: OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin wrapped up a Haiti visit urging “urgent acceleration” of voter registration and ID work ahead of the Dec. 13 elections, warning that gangs control key routes and that the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force needs more personnel, equipment, and funding for measurable results. ID & Registry Support: Japan and the OAS signed a $3M deal to expand Haiti’s biometric ID system, including mobile registration and 350,000 new biometric cards, aimed at updating the electoral registry. TPS Fallout in Florida: As Haiti’s TPS ended, South Florida Haitians in places like Miami’s Little Haiti reported a chilling drop in daily activity and rising fear of detention and deportation; NYC schools and shelters also moved to support Haitian students and families as uncertainty spills into classrooms. Immigration Enforcement in Ohio: Reports from Springfield describe ICE activity targeting Haitian residents, including arrests and ankle-monitor requirements, heightening community anxiety. U.S. Court Moves on TPS: A federal judge lifted a final block to end TPS for over 5,000 Ethiopians, following the Supreme Court’s stance that TPS decisions aren’t reviewable in court—signaling more removals risk for other groups. Local Politics (Diaspora Lens): Brooklyn’s Democratic Party leadership fight continues, with chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn proposing rule changes that could reshape representation in areas including Little Haiti. Haiti-Related Legal/Crime Note: A former Prince George’s County police officer was sentenced to six months for an auto-insurance fraud scheme involving falsified losses.

Haiti Elections & Security: OAS Secretary-General Albert Ramdin wrapped up a Haiti visit urging faster, measurable action on security and the Dec. 13 elections, backing renewal of the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force but warning it needs real personnel, funding, and logistics to reduce gang control, secure the airport route, and restore safe access to southern Haiti; he also pushed urgent voter registration and identification. Opposition Warning: Haitian opposition politician and lawyer André Michel said elections could be “won” by armed gangs unless a minimum security level is restored first, especially control of major highways and voter access. ID & Governance Support: The OAS and Japan signed a $3M cooperation agreement to expand identification services in Haiti via the ONI, framing it as “one citizen, one identity, one vote at a time.” Regional Push: The OAS Permanent Council voted to summon foreign ministers for an emergency session on Nicaragua, underscoring how regional diplomacy is being used alongside Haiti-focused security and election efforts. Diaspora Pressure (U.S.): Haitian communities in the U.S. are facing renewed fear and disruption after TPS terminations, with reports of families and healthcare systems strained as Haitian caregivers lose work authorization.

Haiti Elections & Security: Japan and the OAS signed a $3M deal to help Haiti register voters and issue 350,000 blank IDs as the country prepares for Dec. 13 elections amid gang violence that has displaced 1.5M people and leaves many without documents. Haiti Politics: Opposition politician André Michel warned that without a minimum level of security, armed gangs will win the elections—arguing highways must be accessible for citizens to vote freely. US–Haiti Migration Fallout: Catholic bishops say Haiti’s TPS end is “pretty dire” and unsafe, urging lawmakers to extend protections; New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called the move “reckless and inhumane,” warning of major consequences for the state. Local Impact in the US: In Ohio, Haitians who lost TPS face job loss and deportation fear, while some officials argue the workforce helped Springfield’s rebound. Humanitarian & Media: A UNESCO report says free, trusted journalism can save lives and improve disaster response—an argument that lands hard as humanitarian workers face record attacks and shrinking protection worldwide.

U.S. TPS Shock for Haitians in the Spotlight: A Boston federal judge lifted the last court block stopping Trump’s administration from ending Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians, a move tied to the Supreme Court’s June limits on challenges to TPS terminations—raising fears of broader knock-on effects for other nationalities, including Haitians. Haiti Election Prep Gets OAS Boost: Japan and the Organization of American States signed a $3M grant to help Haiti register voters, update voter lists, and procure 350,000 ID cards as gang violence disrupts identification and pushes the Dec. 13 election date into uncertainty. Regional Security Push: CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett joined an OAS-led delegation in Haiti focused on political dialogue, security, and election capacity-building. Haitian Families Face ICE Pressure in the U.S.: Reports from Springfield describe intensified ICE activity after Haiti’s TPS end, with community members saying raids and detentions are spreading fear even among people with legal status. Florida Politics With Haitian Stakes: Haitian candidates are in contested Florida primaries, including races tied to major Haitian-American communities, as voters weigh migration and representation issues.