FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 14, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) issued the following statement on the recent violence and political instability in Haiti and called on the Biden Administration to halt all deportations to Haiti. The lawmakers’ call follows the sudden dismissal of interim Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille and the targeting of airplanes by Haitian gangs.

“The increasing violent gang activity and attacks on commercial airlines in Haiti have further destabilized the island, putting the Haitian people at greater risk and underscored the need for a comprehensive humanitarian response from the United States,” said Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Yvette D. Clarke, Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. “In light of these deteriorating circumstances and the subsequent decision by the Federal Aviation Administration to ban all US flights to Haiti for 30 days, we renew our call for the Biden-Harris Administration to immediately halt all deportations, further combat illicit arms trafficking, and deliver the humanitarian assistance needed in Haiti. Further, we urge our colleagues in Congress to renew the HOPE/HELP program and continue this vital partnership to strengthen Haiti’s economic stability. The people of Haiti and the Haitian diaspora have suffered enough, and the United States must do more to protect lives and ensure Haiti has the support it needs.”

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