Pastor Molis Augustave’s imminent deportation to Haiti has raised concerns among advocates after his application for lawful permanent residence was denied by immigration officials. Arrested during a traffic stop in Pennsylvania, Augustave remains detained, separated from his wife, Omara Nunez, and their two young children.
We Are CASA, a national immigrant advocacy group, shared a statement from Augustave, expressing his desire to return home to Pennsylvania with his family. The pastor, who once held Temporary Protected Status before the program was ended for Haitian nationals, was scheduled for deportation on September 17 but was removed from the plane at the last minute.
Augustave has been a community pillar, known for his service to others. American Families United highlighted his contributions, questioning the benefit of removing him from his community and family. While in detention, Augustave continues to minister to fellow detainees, many of whom share stories of fear and uncertainty.
The efforts to halt Augustave’s deportation were significant, led by his spouse and advocates. Ama Frimpong from We Are CASA criticized the Department of Homeland Security for pushing forward a mass deportation agenda and denying Augustave a proper process. She called for accountability from USCIS and urged reconsideration of their decision.
A reopening of Augustave’s removal proceedings is pending, including a habeas petition in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Despite this, deportation might occur soon, as shared by CASA spokeswoman Jossie Flor Sapunar. Questions remain about the basis for the denial.
The Department of Homeland Security defended ICE’s actions, citing the partnership during the vehicle stop in York, Pennsylvania, and characterizing Augustave as an “illegal alien.” Augustave had previously been detained after entering the U.S. illegally in 2016 and released with a final order of removal issued in 2018.
DHS offers an option for voluntary departure using the CBP Home App, providing $3,000 and a free flight for self-deportation, suggesting this as a legal way to return and pursue the “American dream.” They emphasize collaboration with local law enforcement as critical to arresting illegal aliens.
American Families United argued that Augustave’s case reflects broader systemic issues. They noted bureaucratic challenges faced daily by families with U.S. citizens, viewing these as punitive measures against those enhancing communities.
Omara Nunez, a U.S. citizen, struggles with the potential permanent absence of her husband. She worries about maintaining her household and questions the future for her family under these uncertain circumstances.