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Haitian businessman detained 9 months, transferred out-of-state despite court order

Jun 22, 2026 · Miami, FL, Haiti

Haitian businessman detained 9 months, transferred out-of-state despite court order

Dimitri Albert Edouard Vorbe, a 52-year-old Haitian businessman who owned one of Haiti's largest electric power providers, entered the U.S. legally with a valid visa in January 2020. He was arrested by federal agents on September 23, 2025, at his South Miami home and detained at Krome Detention Center. Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked a rarely used foreign policy authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to target Vorbe for deportation, claiming he engaged in violence and gang support that destabilized Haiti—allegations Vorbe's lawyers deny. On May 12, 2026, U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles approved a negotiated agreement prohibiting Vorbe's deportation to Haiti and directing his transfer to the Dominican Republic within seven days, though Dominican authorities stated they would not allow his entry. On June 22, 2026, Vorbe was transferred to a detention facility in Mississippi as part of an emergency evacuation due to brush fires. His attorneys contend this transfer violated the federal court order prohibiting his removal from the Southern District of Florida, noting he was moved out of state without notice despite the judicial prohibition.

Timeline

1/0/2020Dimitri Vorbe entered the U.S. legally with a valid visa
Jun 22, 2026Vorbe transferred to detention facility in Mississippi as part of emergency evacuation due to brush fires, violating federal court order prohibiting removal from Southern District of Florida
Jun 9, 2026U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles held hearing on Vorbe's habeas corpus petition and expressed concern about indefinite detention
May 12, 2026Judge Darrin P. Gayles approved negotiated agreement prohibiting Vorbe's deportation to Haiti and directing transfer to Dominican Republic within seven days; Dominican authorities subsequently refused entry
Sep 23, 2025Vorbe arrested by federal agents at his South Miami home and detained at Krome Detention Center; Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked foreign policy authority under Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to target him for deportation

Sources

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