A video released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) depicting men in chains boarding a deportation flight to Haiti has triggered criticism. The footage, shared on social media, shows Black men with their hands and feet bound, being escorted onto the plane with a chain around their waists.
The DHS post accompanying the video stated that individuals with terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are in the U.S. illegally and must either leave immediately or face deportation. TPS is a designation that allows foreign nationals to reside and work in the U.S. without the threat of deportation when their home countries are deemed unsafe.
President Donald Trump’s administration moved forward with ending TPS for Haitians, affecting over 300,000 individuals in the U.S. The termination took effect in July despite concerns about violence and instability in Haiti.
Critics, including the Florida Democratic Party and Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari, condemned the DHS video, calling it a cruel policy rather than a show of strength. The White House defended the deportations, citing court orders and offering free flights for Haitian nationals to return.
Haiti continues to face significant security challenges, with widespread gang violence following the assassination of ex-president Jovenel Moïse. The country has experienced a surge in violent incidents, leading to internal displacement and a high number of casualties.
The United Nations reported that around 1.5 million Haitians are internally displaced due to gang-related violence, with thousands of fatalities and injuries recorded in recent months. Despite the dangerous conditions, deportations to Haiti have increased, raising concerns about the well-being and protection of returnees.
The New York Times revealed plans to escalate the frequency of deportation flights to Haiti, moving from monthly to weekly flights. The Department of Homeland Security declined to provide specific details on the recent deportation flight, citing operational security.
Deportees, including children born in the U.S., have been returned to Haiti, causing distress in Haitian communities in the U.S. Groups like the Haitian Bridge Alliance are advocating for support for those affected by the termination of TPS, highlighting the fear and uncertainty prevalent among Haitian immigrants in the country.
