Tragic Incident in Fayetteville: A Haitian Migrant Charged with Triple Murder
On February 21, a devastating incident unfolded in Fayetteville, North Carolina, when 26-year-old Mackendy Darbouze, a Haitian migrant, was charged with three counts of first-degree murder. The victims included 77-year-old Beatrice Desir, a 13-year-old, and a 4-year-old. Police responded to a stabbing report and found the victims with severe stab wounds. Darbouze, who greeted officers with blood on his hands and clothes, was arrested at the scene. Surveillance footage allegedly showed him wielding a knife, and a blood-stained knife was found in his room. He is now held without bond at the Cumberland County Detention Center.
The Migrant Flights Program and Its Expansion
Darbouze entered the U.S. in July 2024 through the Biden administration’s Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela (CHNV) migrant flights program. Launched in 2022, this program allowed asylum seekers from these countries to enter the U.S. for up to two years if they had a financial sponsor. Initially targeting Venezuelans, it expanded to include Haiti, Nicaragua, and Cuba in 2023, allowing 30,000 individuals per month. The program aimed to reduce illegal border crossings by providing a legal pathway through airports, requiring beneficiaries to fly to the U.S. before being paroled.
Criticism and Controversy Surrounding the Program
Despite its intent, the CHNV program faced criticism for not reducing overall migrant numbers. Critics argue it merely shifted entry methods rather than decreasing totals. The program gained notoriety when Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan national admitted under CHNV in 2022, killed University of Georgia student Laken Riley. This incident highlighted concerns about screening processes and public safety. The program’s fate changed with President Trump’s executive order ending it, yet over 50,000 individuals were already paroled into the U.S. by then.
ICE Involvement and Detainer Lodged
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Darbouze’s entry through the CHNV program and revealed he does not speak English, necessitating Creole interviews. ICE has since lodged a detainer on him, signaling intent to assume custody post-trial. This case underscores challenges in managing parole programs, balancing humanitarian efforts with security, and ensuring thorough vetting of applicants.
Implications for the Biden Administration
The Fayetteville tragedy puts the Biden administration’s immigration policies under scrutiny. Critics argue the CHNV program lacks adequate vetting, leading to public safety risks. Supporters emphasize the program’s success in reducing illegal crossings and providing a humane approach to migration. This incident may influence future policy debates, with calls for increased screening and program accountability.
Ongoing Debate on Immigration Policy
The case rekindles the debate on immigration reform, balancing compassion with security. Lawmakers demand accountability for crimes linked to the CHNV program, while advocates defend its role in orderly migration. The political landscape may see renewed efforts to address border security and asylum processes. As the U.S. grapples with migration, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in shaping effective policies.
