U.S. immigration authorities have arrested Dimitri Vorbe, a powerful Haitian businessman and former energy supplier, marking the latest move against members of Haiti’s elite amid mounting concerns over corruption and gang ties.
Vorbe, who has lived in the U.S. since January 2020 under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon outside his Miami home, according to Department of Homeland Security records. He is currently being held at the Krome North Detention Center.
ICE Silent on Reason for Arrest
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not respond to the Miami Herald’s questions about why Vorbe was detained, despite his ongoing immigration case and a scheduled hearing. Sources said the hearing has been repeatedly delayed without explanation.
This marks the second time Vorbe has been targeted by ICE. He was previously arrested in August 2020 in Florida on allegations of overstaying his U.S. visa, though his attorney provided documentation of a pending extension request.
Part of a Pattern Targeting Haitian Elite
Vorbe’s detention comes just two months after federal agents arrested Haitian businessman and former presidential hopeful Réginald Boulos in Palm Beach County on immigration violations and alleged support of Haiti’s armed gangs.
It also follows a surge of U.S. visa cancellations affecting Haiti’s wealthiest families. In recent weeks, several businessmen have been denied entry to the U.S. at Miami International Airport or barred from boarding flights. Detainees reported being questioned for hours about their finances, business dealings, and ties to other Haitian elites.
Political Feuds and Energy Disputes
Vorbe, whose family once owned Haiti’s largest energy supplier, Société Générale d’Énergie SA, fell out with the late President Jovenel Moïse after the Haitian government seized the company. Moïse publicly accused Vorbe’s firm of contributing to the country’s chronic power shortages, escalating a feud that saw Haitian police raid Vorbe’s home and seek his arrest.
The Vorbe family, long influential in Haitian business and politics, has supported different administrations over the years. Dimitri Vorbe himself was a confidant of former President René Préval but opposed the party of ex-President Michel Martelly, a stance that eventually deepened his conflict with Moïse.
Washington’s Crackdown on Haitian Oligarchs
The U.S. has not formally explained its crackdown, but the State Department has faced mounting pressure to address Haiti’s worsening gang violence and political paralysis. Business elites are frequently accused of enabling corruption and fueling instability, though many deny such charges.
For Vorbe, his future in the U.S. now hinges on immigration court, where his case has been stalled for years. With federal agents once again taking him into custody, his legal and political battles are far from over.