ICE nabs Haitian fugitive wanted for murder following prison escape
BOSTON, United States (CMC) – The United States (US) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says its agents have arrested a 38-year-old convicted murderer wanted in Haiti following a prison escape in the Caribbean country.
ICE said Wilbert Jean-Baptiste was initially apprehended by the US Border Patrol on October 31, 2023 after illegally entering the US near Brownsville, Texas.
He was subsequently released with a notice to appear before an immigration judge with the US Justice Department’s Executive Office of Immigration Review, ICE said.
It said the judge issued an order for his removal to Haiti on May 17, 2024. However, Jean-Baptiste remained in the US, pending additional immigration proceedings.
ICE said it was notified by the Haitian government on February 3 that Jean-Baptiste was wanted for homicide and had escaped from a Haitian prison. He was arrested in Massachusetts the day after US officials received the notice.
“This apprehension demonstrates ICE’s relentless commitment to pursuing fugitives and ensuring they face justice, no matter where they attempt to hide,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde.
“Through ongoing collaboration with our international law enforcement partners, ICE proves that no criminal will escape accountability,” Hyde added.