Congressman Lawler urges reversal of Trump administration’s ban on Haiti
US Capitol
WASHINGTON D.C.- Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17) is urging the Trump Administration to reconsider the full suspension of entry for Haitian nationals.
Haiti was one of 12 countries put on President Trump’s ban this week. The move prevents the entry of foreigners who are seeking to come to the U.S. permanently as legal immigrants, as well as those with temporary visas, including tourists. Lawler represents Rockland County and portions of Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties. Approximately 12,000 Haitians live in Spring Valley in Rockland.
“Haiti’s disaster has been growing, and given our proximity to the nation and our historical interventions,” Lawler said. “We have a moral duty to help. Haitians cannot do it alone,” Congressman Lawler stated. “This travel ban will only deepen the suffering of Haitians, many of whom have strong ties to the U.S., including the vibrant Haitian diaspora in the Hudson Valley that I represent in Congress, and risks isolating Haiti further at a time when they need our support most.
According to Lawler, the situation in Haiti has deteriorated, spiraling into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that demands global attention and support. Armed gangs control large swaths of the capital, Port-au-Prince, with their influence spreading to other regions. Violence, including gang-related atrocities, has surged, with over 1,600 people killed in the first three months of 2025 alone, and more than 1 million Haitians internally displaced.
Famine conditions have emerged, with many surviving on just one meal a day. This disaster, exacerbated by corruption, poor governance, and a continuous flow of illicit weapons, has only grown worse, leaving the Haitian people in desperate need of assistance.
“The ban’s inclusion of Haiti is a misguided overreach that ignores the root causes of the crisis,” Lawler said. “The United States has led three interventions in Haiti that have ultimately failed to create long-term stability, and the United States has a unique responsibility to act.
Pan-Africanist Kémi Séba urges Haitians to forgive gangs, calls it key to ‘second revolution’
At a symposium in northern Haiti, Séba argued reconciliation with gangs is essential to fighting foreign powers he blames for destabilizing the country
by Onz Chéry Jun. 11, 2025
THE HAITIAN TIMES
Pan-Africanist leader Kémi Séba pointing his finger at an audience at State University of Haiti, Henri Christophe Campus of Limonade during a conference on June 2, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times.
Overview:
Pan-Africanist activist Kémi Séba has urged Haitians to forgive gangs— if they disarm and change course—and ally with them to ignite a “pan-African revolution.” Séba said some gang leaders wept during conversations about his proposal for reconciliation and revolution.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Speaking before hundreds of students at a university symposium in northern Haiti in early June, controversial West African political activist and Pan-Africanist Kémi Séba urged Haitians to forgive gang members and unite with them against what he called the “exogenous forces” destabilizing the country.
The provocative call on June 2, delivered at the State University of Haiti’s Henri Christophe campus in Limonade, has drawn mixed reactions as Haiti continues to grapple with a gang-fueled security crisis claiming thousands of lives and displacing over a million residents.
Séba, born Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi in France to Beninese parents, framed his message as part of a broader pan-African revolution, asserting that reconciliation with the gangs—if they disarm and change course—is essential for Haiti’s political and spiritual rebirth.
“Without the desire to spread true love among us, without putting the guns down, Haiti won’t stand up,” Séba said.
“If the gangs stop being assassins and become security forces who will stand beside the people in mobilizations to denounce the exogenous forces destabilizing Haiti, Haiti will become the epicenter of the Black revolution.”
“The problem with Black people, like Malcolm X said, is that they’re very good at forgiving white people—those who colonized us—but we can never forgive Black people.”
Kémi Séba, Pan-Africanist activistnormal
The crowd, largely made up of university students, applauded loudly. Séba did not initially name the “exogenous forces” he referenced, but later identified the United States, Canada and France as foreign powers he believes are complicit in Haiti’s crisis. He accused those governments of flooding the country with weapons to stoke internal conflict.
“Those who present themselves as friends of Haiti have been their enemies from the beginning,” he said. “They give Haitians guns in massive quantities and sit back while we kill each other.”
A revolution’s epicenter
Séba’s visit to Haiti, following recent appearances in Ethiopia, Mali and Burkina Faso—countries that have distanced themselves from Western influence—signals his view of Haiti as pivotal to a global Black liberation movement. He referred to the country as the “epicenter” of a second Black revolution.
But while some attendees embraced his message of unity, others rejected the idea of forgiving gangs that have unleashed unprecedented levels of violence and suffering.
In 2024 alone, more than 5,600 people were killed in gang-related violence, according to United Nations figures. Armed groups control roughly 90% of Port-au-Prince and have expanded their influence into provincial cities such as Mirebalais and large parts of the Artibonite Department. Gang members have committed mass killings, extortions, sexual violence, arson and forced displacements across the country.
Despite that history, the Pan-Africanist political leader, activist, writer and geopolitical journalist known for his opposition to “Françafrique and imperialism” in the 21st century, insists forgiveness is the only viable path forward.
“The problem with Black people, like Malcolm X said, is that they’re very good at forgiving white people—those who colonized us—but we can never forgive Black people,” he said.
Séba claimed to have spoken directly with several unnamed gang leaders, saying some of them were moved to tears and expressed regret for their actions. Still, he added a caveat.
“Those who don’t seek forgiveness must be executed,” he said.
A polarizing message from France to Benin and Haiti
The proposal, arguably the first by a prominent figure to openly advocate for reconciliation with gangs, left attendees divided.
Jodlin ‘Gagòt’ Etienne, a small business owner from Quartier-Morin, a nearby Downtown Cap-Haïtien town, said that despite being affected by gang roadblocks, he supports Séba’s appeal.
“It’s not about forgiving—it’s about where forgiveness will take us,” Etienne said. “We need true forgiveness between us. We won’t be able to live well without it.”
Cap-Haïtien resident Mickenson Nordys also supports reconciliation, but noted that victims of gang violence—especially those in the capital—may not be ready.
“I haven’t lived what they’ve lived,” he said. “People who were raped, kidnapped, or displaced may not be ready to forgive like I am. But I believe that to move forward, we have to forgive by any means necessary.”
Séba is one of the most outspoken Pan-African activists of the past decade. In July 2024, he was stripped of his French nationality following years of anti-colonial activism. He is reportedly preparing a presidential bid in Benin for 2026.
During his stay in northern Haiti, Séba also spoke at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Management in Cap-Haïtien on May 30.
While his message resonated with some attendees, it also reignited painful debates about justice, accountability, and how to chart a path out of Haiti’s multidimensional crisis—a crisis shaped by both internal violence and long-standing foreign entanglements.
“Every student here is a means to realize the Haitian dream of living together,” Séba said. “I see in every young person a potential for resistance against national disintegration.”
National Center of Haitian Apostolate
Sunday, June 15, 2025 – Solemnity of the Trinity - C
Proverbs 8:22-31; Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 5:1-5; Jn 16:12-15.
Fr. Jean Ralph Riccardy Pompée THÉODAT
Brothers and sisters! During these last Sundays, the liturgy has focused on the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity. Pentecost (Holy Spirit) Ascension (Son and Father). On this Sunday, we celebrate the loving relationship of the Three Persons of the Most Holy Trinity, the first principal mystery of the faith: "Unity and Trinity of God". We have been baptized and receive all the sacraments in the name of the Holy Trinity, we begin the day by invoking Him with the sign of the Cross; We do everything in his name and for his glory; at the end of this earthly life, we will be blessed in the name of the Most Holy Trinity. A path of life that begins and returns to God. It is a mystery that is not comprehensible in its fullness by human reason, but we can live, step by step in our lives, this relationship with the Divine.
. The first reading that we have just heard and that we are meditating on reveals to us a mystery: there is an eternal God, who is before the beginning of all things. Mysteriously, the book of Proverbs reveals to us that this eternal Being or the "Lord" was at work. In the beginning of all things, he made eternal Wisdom resemble him.
. It is important to note that our knowledge of God does not come from our extensive study and scholarly speculations, but from the revelation that the Lord makes of Himself. We did not invent a God in our image, it is He who revealed Himself to us from Abraham and Moses! And besides, if we had created Him in our image, He would not be called the "God of tenderness and mercy!" but we would have made Him the God of law, vengeance, and punishment.
. But how can we preach about God's deepest being, his essence, when no one has ever seen Him? What Jesus says at the beginning of today's Gospel text is of extraordinary value : "I still have many things to say to you, but for now you cannot bear them. When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will lead you into all truth."
One thing is certain, to speak of the Trinity is to speak of God. Not of what he is behind closed doors, but of his manifestations, his adventures through the world of men.
. In the second reading, Saint Paul tells us that "the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" has the role of pouring out God's love in our hearts. The Holy Spirit thus reaches our inner dimension, the deepest dimension of our being. It is God in us who guides us, teaches us, invites us to action, communion, comforts, and strengthens us.
. Brothers and sisters! God is not an executioner who spies on and punishes at the slightest mistake, but a Father who patiently waits for the return of his daughter or his prodigal son to celebrate, without asking for an account of what has happened (Luke 15:11-32). He welcomes the workers of the last hour (Matthew 20:1-16), all those who are deemed unworthy to attend synagogues (Luke 13:14), marginalized lepers (Luke 17:11-18, 14), publicans, sinners (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32). He dialogues indiscriminately with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42) and protects the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11). He welcomes the thief condemned to die with him on the cross (Luke 23:32-43). This God of tenderness and love invites us to a covenant with him. He inspires and strengthens us. He is our support and comfort. In fact, we are Christians, not because we love God, but rather because we believe that God loves us.
. We could "summarize" today's feast as follows: God the Father is the source and purpose of life; Jesus Christ is the way to the end; the Holy Spirit is the strength to walk on the road and reach the goal. Amen!
Fr. Jean Ralph Riccardy Pompée THÉODAT
What to do if immigration agents approach you | Fact sheet
A guide for the Haitian community on knowing your rights and preparing for interactions with ICE agents.
by The Haitian Times Jan. 27, 2025
A step-by-step guide for immigrants to navigate ICE encounters, including Haitian Creole resources and legal support.
Editors note: This tip sheet will be periodically updated. Last update: 02/13/2025
As the Trump Administration’s hectic immigration crackdown continues, immigrant advocates continue to update guidance to help targeted communities respond. One area they are raising awareness around is immigration enforcement’s use of duplicitous tactics that can cause immigrants to incriminate themselves. Some officers may use ploys to gain access to your home, vehicle or other property. Others may lie by omission or outright to persuade you to let them search and seize your space or belongings.
Navigating encounters with immigration enforcement agents (ICE) can be daunting, but knowing your rights and preparing in advance can make a significant difference. This fact sheet provides essential steps to help immigrants, especially members of the Haitian community, protect themselves and their families during these situations.
1. Know Your Rights: You should be informed about your rights when interacting with ICE, including the right to remain silent and the right to refuse entry to agents without a warrant.
- Nan Kominote Nou Yo, Nan Lari Nou Yo (In Our Communities, In Our Streets)
- Si ICE Arete Nou (If ICE Arrests Us)
- Lè ICE Dèyè Pòt Nou (When ICE is at Our Doors)
- Anndan Lakay Nou (Inside Our Homes)
2. Carry a red card: This business card-sized red document created by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) provides instructions on what to do in an interaction with ICE. It also lists essential legal contacts and encourages immigrants to have an emergency plan in place.
Red Cards link: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas
3. Document the event: If you witness an ICE operation, take note of the time, location and any other details that may help document the situation.
4. Reach out for help: Get support through local advocacy organizations such as HaCoNet, which provides resources and legal counsel.
5. Stay connected: Continue to monitor the situation, but verify the credibility of all information.
6. Protect yourself during ICE encounters: Immigration enforcement officers may use deceptive tactics to gain access to homes, vehicles, or workplaces. Understanding your rights can help you avoid self-incrimination.
- Do not open the door unless ICE presents a valid, judge-signed warrant with your name on it.
- If they show an unsigned or incorrect warrant, state that they have the wrong address or person and ask them to leave.
- If ICE enters without proper authorization, clearly state, “I do not consent to a search,” then remain silent.
- Do not sign any documents given to you by immigration officers or law enforcement.
- If ICE arrives at your workplace, remain in areas not open to the public unless they have a signed warrant for you.
- Do not point out errors in their paperwork. Mistakes such as misspelled names or incorrect dates of birth may be useful in legal proceedings later.
7. Know your immigration status and plan ahead:
Being informed and prepared can help protect you and your loved ones in case of an immigration enforcement action.
- Discuss immigration status with trusted family members, especially if it is uncertain.
- Secure important immigration documents in a safe location, ensuring a trusted person can access copies if needed.
- Develop a family plan in case of detention or separation, including arrangements for children’s care if applicable.
Editor’s note: This fact sheet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals facing immigration-related issues should consult a qualified attorney or accredited legal representative for guidance specific to their situation.