YORK COUNTY, Pa. — Pastor Molis Augustave was deported to Haiti on Thursday, following 19 days of detention after being taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His removal has stirred significant concern and advocacy from local community members, family, and faith leaders.
Community Response to Deportation
We Are CASA, a national organization advocating for the rights and welfare of minorities, condemned the government’s actions regarding Augustave’s deportation. The organization’s representatives described the process as “cruel” and are calling for his immediate return to York. According to a press release from We Are CASA, Augustave was apprehended after being pulled over for a broken headlight, entering ICE custody on September 5. His pending application for legal residency was reportedly denied without any provided reasons shortly before his deportation.
Augustave’s wife, Omara, and their two young children are now facing an immense emotional void following his deportation. “His wife and two young children are now left to face an empty seat at the table tonight,” stated We Are CASA in their communications.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that Augustave was arrested for being unlawfully present in the United States and has a final order of removal. The spokesperson also indicated that individuals facing similar situations are encouraged to take advantage of a program offering assistance for voluntary self-deportation.
During his time in the Louisiana detention center, Augustave expressed his resolve and faith in a prayer, expressing hope that divine intervention would guide his family and others affected by deportation. He emphasized a belief that the struggle was not over, and urged others to maintain hope in their challenging circumstances.
Legal avenues for Augustave are still being pursued, as there is a pending motion to reopen his removal proceedings before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
The National Communications Director of We Are CASA, Jossie Flor Sapunar, remarked on the implications of Augustave’s removal, stating that it highlights systemic fears towards individuals of Haitian descent who are dedicated to their families and communities.
Why It Matters
The case of Pastor Molis Augustave has drawn attention to broader issues of immigration policy and enforcement, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals seeking legal residency and the impact of deportation on families. As community advocacy continues, this incident reflects ongoing national conversations about immigration, family unity, and the rights of immigrants in the U.S.
