Former Haitian mayor convicted of immigration crimes based on lying about past involvement in Haitian political violence - Caribbean News Global

A jury has convicted Jean Morose Viliena, the former Mayor of Les Irois, Haiti, for illegally acquiring and utilizing a Permanent Resident Card by falsely claiming he had not engaged in extrajudicial killings and other violent acts against the Haitian people. The conviction underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to holding human rights violators accountable for their actions, especially those who seek refuge in the United States.

Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, stated that Viliena lied to gain entry into the U.S. after committing atrocities in Haiti. He emphasized that the Justice Department will not tolerate human rights violators living freely in American communities. Victims and witnesses played a crucial role in bringing Viliena to justice.

U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley condemned the political corruption and violence perpetuated under Viliena’s leadership, asserting that the United States must not be a sanctuary for individuals escaping their past crimes. She praised the bravery of those who testified about the abuses suffered during Viliena's tenure as mayor.

Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), highlighted that Viliena's violent actions made him ineligible for entry into the country. He reinforced ICE’s commitment to pursuing and apprehending human rights violators who attempt to evade prosecution by moving to the U.S.

Viliena served as the Mayor of Les Irois from December 2006 until at least February 2010, backed by a political faction known as Korega, which maintained power through armed violence. Under his supervision, armed groups enforced policies through violence, targeting individuals in Les Irois, further solidifying his complicity in the violence that plagued the region.