On February 4, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement captured Wilbert Jean-Baptiste, a 38-year-old convicted killer who had fled from a Haitian jail.
Jean-Baptiste unlawfully entered the United States at Brownsville, Texas, on October 31, 2023, and was apprehended by the US Border Patrol. He was eventually released with a notice to appear before an immigration judge. On May 17, 2024, the judge ordered his removal to Haiti, but Jean-Baptiste remained in the United States owing to pending immigration processes.
The Haitian authorities notified ICE on February 3 that Jean-Baptiste was wanted for homicide and had fled from jail. He was arrested the next day in Massachusetts.
“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.
Jean-Baptiste is currently in ICE detention, awaiting deportation to Haiti.
ICE’s arrest shows the continuous effort to apprehend fugitives attempting to flee justice across international borders.