171 Haitian migrants to be deported thursday as Haiti prepares for weekly arrivals

Haiti’s National Office of Migration (ONM) is preparing to receive 171 Haitian migrants deported from the United States this Thursday, the first of what officials say will become a steady weekly flow of returnees as Washington accelerates its deportation campaign.

ONM Director Jean Négot Bonheur Delva announced the upcoming arrival during an appearance on the Jabeznews program, describing it as merely the opening wave of a much larger operation. According to Delva, the United States plans to deport approximately 250 Haitian migrants per week going forward, a pace that would put the total near 1,000 returnees a month.

Delva said the increase reflects a broader shift in U.S. immigration enforcement affecting Haitian nationals, many of whom have lost protections that previously shielded them from removal.

To meet the moment, Delva said ONM has drawn up a national contingency plan for receiving and supporting migrants arriving from the United States. The plan is built around receiving returnees “with dignity,” he said, and includes a coordinated response involving Haitian state authorities alongside ONM’s own reception teams.

Under the plan, migrants will be greeted on arrival by Haitian authorities and ONM personnel, who will provide water and food assistance along with an orientation brochure to help returnees navigate next steps. Each migrant will also receive at least 10,000 gourdes in cash assistance. Those needing further support will have access to a transitional shelter, where they can stay for 24 to 72 hours before continuing on to their home communities.