Overview:
Gangs killed four Haitian police officers in Kenscoff and Artibonite this past week in targeted attacks following law enforcement raids. As violence expands beyond Port-au-Prince, the Haitian National Police escalated counter-gang operations and reshuffled its leadership in Artibonite. Meanwhile, the U.S. arrest of Pierre Reginald Boulos and suspected visa revocations for political figures, including André Michel, reflect intensifying international pressure on Haiti’s elite.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — A deadly wave of gang violence swept across Haiti the past few days, leaving at least four police officers dead and several injured. The attacks in Kenscoff, a hilly commune about 20 miles southeast of Port-au-Prince in the Artibonite region, underscore the spread of insecurity beyond Port-au-Prince, even as the Haitian National Police (PNH) pledges to intensify its anti-gang operations.
One officer was killed and two others wounded on Friday, July 25, during an ambush by the Viv Ansanm criminal coalition, which has controlled the mountain commune since January. According to Sidel Mathieuny, spokesperson for the National Union of Haitian Police Officers (SYNAPOHA), the slain officer, Mackly Rotchy Alexis, was part of the 33rd PNH graduating class. Two injured officers, both from the 20th class, were hospitalized.
The attack occurred near an anti-gang operation base, where police officers and members of the Haitian Armed Forces have been stationed since gangs took control of Kenscoff.
PNH authorities believe the attack was retaliation for a recent law enforcement raid targeting several gangs, including those from Carrefour, Grand-Ravin and Village-de-Dieu—led respectively by notorious figures such as Christ-roi “Krisla” Chéry, Renel “Tilapli” Destina and Johnson “Izo” André.
Just four days earlier, three officers were killed in Liancourt, Artibonite. Members of the Gran Grif gang—based in Savien—ambushed their patrol, setting fire to their armored vehicle and filming the aftermath in a chilling act of defiance. One officer remains missing to this day.
The PNH condemned the killings and promised a forceful response.
“The blood shed by these valiant officers must serve as motivation for their fellow servicemen,” read a statement from the police leadership, which pledged to escalate operations against armed groups in the Artibonite region.
Reshuffling of police leadership in Artibonite amid repeated promises
In the wake of the Artibonite killings, PNH installed Jean Frenel Beauvoir as the new Departmental Director of Police, replacing Karlebe Exantus, who was named in the position just about nine months ago. Inspector General Joany Canéus officiated the ceremony, calling on Beauvoir to deliver results and maintain close ties with local communities.
U.S. authorities released the charges against Pierre Réginald Boulos, accusing him of concealing political activities and gang-linked violence that has destabilized Haiti
Beauvoir vowed to reclaim gang-controlled roads and prioritize support for the justice system. Outgoing director Exantus cited a lack of resources but praised officers who had made the “ultimate sacrifice.”
“I come here to deliver concrete results in response to the insecurity that has caused so much suffering in Artibonite,” said Beauvoir, echoing the statement made by his predecessor during the latter’s own installation last Fall.
Following numerous bloodbaths orchestrated in mid-2024 by Kokorat San Ras and Gran Grif gangs, killing hundreds in several vulnerable communities such as Pont-Sondé, Liancourt, L’Estère, Terre-Neuve, Petite-Rivière, La Croix Périsse and Gros-Morne, Exantus replaced in October Paul Ménard Jean-Louis—who was fiercely criticized by residents for failing to respond strongly.
“With firm leadership and the collaboration of the entire population, we will liberate the roads and free communities currently under gang control,” Beauvoir promised.
Attendees at the installation ceremony of Artibonite’s new police chief in Gonaïves on July 25, 2025, including from left to right: new Departmental Director Jean Fresnel Beauvoir, Inspector General Joany Canéus and Departmental Delegate Ivens Néréus. Photo by Onès Joseph for The Haitian Times.
Beauvoir called for the involvement of all sectors of society, stressing that no lasting solution can be achieved without collective will. His mission, as outlined by Inspector General Canéus, focuses on three key priorities: strengthening the judicial police, supporting the justice system and providing assistance to officers under the Departmental Police Directorate. Canéus also urged Beauvoir to maintain close ties with the population of Artibonite.
“The National Police Directorate is counting on you to produce meaningful results in the fight against the insecurity affecting this department,” Canéus said, while acknowledging the efforts of the outgoing director Kalerbe Exantus, who had faced criticism for limited progress against gangs in the region.
For his part, Exantus highlighted the challenges posed by a lack of resources, but commended the dedication of police officers, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in Liancourt.
“I salute their bravery,” he added. “I also welcome the death of Fadens Tilus, alias ‘Meyè’, the leader of the Kokorat San Ras gang.”
U.S. steps up immigration crackdown on Haitian elites
Meanwhile, the U.S. has seemed to ramp up its crackdown on Haitian elites allegedly tied to gang violence. On Sunday, July 27, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the imminent deportation of businessman and political figure Pierre Réginald Boulos. Detained since July 17, Boulos is accused of omitting his political ties and alleged support for violence in his residency
Hinting at the imminent deportation of Boulos, ICE said in a statement posted on X that the Haitian oligarch-turned-politician is expected to receive a warm welcome from Haiti’s Anti-Corruption Unit upon return. ICE emphasized that those who misrepresent information or incite violence risk having their legal status revoked.
“The PNH wishes to remind that the blood shed by these valiant officers in the line of duty must serve as a source of motivation for their fellow servicemen.”
General Directorate of the Haitian National Police
“We will find you—just as ICE agents in Miami found Pierre,” the agency wrote.
Separately, the Haitian Embassy in the Dominican Republic issued a note on July 23, stating that the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo would no longer process visitor visa applications for Haitian nationals, regardless of passport type. The measure follows a directive under the Trump administration to block individuals considered threats to U.S. national security.
Activist lawyer and controversial politician André Michel denied U.S. travel, eyes presidency
Social media reports suggest that several Haitian political figures are facing U.S. visa cancellations. On July 26, attorney and former opposition leader André Michel was denied boarding on a Cap-Haïtien–Miami flight. A Sunrise Airways source confirmed the denial to The Haitian Times but said that the airline was not given a reason.
The next day, André declared his candidacy for Haiti’s 2025 presidential election on X, posting:
“The elimination of armed gangs is my top priority — we do not negotiate with gangs!”
Michel has denied claims of past ties to gang leader Vithélomme Innocent, who alleged betrayal by members of André’s former coalition, the Democratic and Popular Sector (SDP).
As these accused leaders continue to deny their ties to gang violence destabilizing Haiti, events in the past week signal rising stakes in Haiti. One of the dangerous escalations in the multifaceted crisis—in which the police continue to be prime targets, political figures face international scrutiny and gangs operate with impunity in rural and urban strongholds alike.
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