The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the deportation of 162 Haitian nationals with criminal records on August 20, following the termination of Haiti's Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The flight returned individuals identified as pedophiles, gang members, drug traffickers, and violent assailants to Haiti.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, "On the latest deportation flight back to Haiti, we deported dangerous criminals including pedophiles, gang members, drug traffickers, and violent assailants." He added that "the Supreme Court reaffirmed what we already know: the T in TPS stands for TEMPORARY. TPS was never designed to be permanent, yet previous administrations have used it as a de facto amnesty program for decades. Under the strong leadership of President Donald J. Trump, we are putting America first again."
Among those deported were individuals with convictions for multiple counts of lewd or lascivious battery, sexual battery, first-degree assault, unlawful sexual activity with a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, felony exploitation/enticement, and sexual offense – corruption of minors. Other criminal histories included convictions for drug trafficking, burglary, larceny, carrying concealed weapons, and alien smuggling for profit. Several individuals were identified as members of the Zoe Pound and 88 Crush Mob gangs.
The termination of Haiti's TPS designation was initially announced by DHS on June 27, 2025. This decision was upheld by the Supreme Court in a 6-3 ruling on June 25, 2026, which also determined that federal law generally bars judicial review of future TPS designation and termination decisions. The Court further found that challenges based on racial discrimination claims are unlikely to succeed.
Haitian nationals who can no longer legally remain in the United States are encouraged to use the CBP Home app to report their departure. This program offers forgiveness for civil fines and penalties for failing to depart, a free flight home, and an exit bonus of $2,600.