A Haitian migrant, Kenol Baptiste, has been accused of killing two roommates in New York after being paroled into the U.S. in July 2023. Baptiste was arrested for second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon. Police reported that two men were stabbed, one dying at the scene and the other succumbing later during surgery. Baptiste was acquainted with the victims and lived at the same address. He was apprehended by a police K9 team and detained at Orange County Jail. ICE has placed a detainer on him, requesting his transfer to ICE custody upon release from jail.
Baptiste entered the U.S. through the Paso Del Norte port of entry in El Paso, Texas, after booking an appointment on the CBP One app in July 2023. He was processed, given a notice to appear in immigration court, and paroled into the U.S. for pending removal proceedings. The app, created under the Trump administration and expanded by the Biden administration, allows up to 1,450 migrants daily to make appointments for entry. Authorities claim that the app provides a safe and orderly method for migrants to enter the U.S. without resorting to illegal means. Migrants are vetted using biometric and biographic data before entry.
The CBP One app has faced criticism from Republicans, who characterize it as a concierge service for illegal immigrants to enter the country under the facade of legality. Migrants from nations like Haiti, Mexico, and Venezuela have utilized the app, with over 547,000 individuals making appointments since 2023. Beyond ports of entry, the app also permits up to 30,000 migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to fly or travel into the U.S. after gaining parole approval. This policy has been identified as a key element of the Biden administration’s border plan.
In the case involving Baptiste, the victims were also Haitian, and Baptiste was awaiting a hearing from a federal judge. He had been given working papers and was slated for an asylum hearing. Officials noted that the story received less attention as the victims were not American citizens. This incident is part of a pattern of crimes involving Haitian migrants paroled into the U.S., with a separate case of a migrant charged with raping a 15-year-old girl in a Massachusetts hotel. The implications and consequences of utilizing the CBP One app for migrant entry remain subjects of debate and scrutiny in the ongoing dialogue surrounding immigration policies and border security.
The tragic incident involving Baptiste underscores the complex issues and challenges surrounding immigration and the entry of migrants into the U.S. Through the controversial CBP One app, which has allowed thousands access to the country, concerns have been raised about the efficacy and consequences of such policies. The debate over providing lawful pathways for migration while ensuring safety and security remains a critical issue for policymakers and the public. The involvement of Haitian nationals in these crimes highlights the need for robust vetting procedures and comprehensive immigration policies to address the multifaceted nature of migration and border control.
