Former official wanted in Haiti corruption case in ICE custody | BREAKING NEWS

Renan Hédouville, a former Haitian ombudsman who once advocated for better prison conditions, has been detained by U.S. immigration authorities, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

As of late Wednesday, Hédouville’s name appeared in the ICE detainee locator, listed as being held at the Pickens County Detention Center in Alabama.

No official statement from U.S. immigration authorities confirming the circumstances of Hédouville’s detention was immediately available. 

However, some Haitian social media creators claim, without showing credible evidence, that Hédouville was detained allegedly because U.S. authorities identified a wanted notice issued for him in Haiti. Such reports could not be independently verified.

The former ombudsman, who led Haiti’s Office of Citizen Protection from 2017 to 2024, does face an unresolved legal case in Haiti stemming from an investigation by the country’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC, per its French acronym). He is wanted there in connection with that investigation, accused of embezzling nearly $130,000 in public funds, awarding illegal public contracts, abusing his office and obstructing justice.

In a May 2025 report, the ULCC said its investigation uncovered alleged irregularities involving fictitious international missions at the Office of Citizen Protection and recommended criminal prosecution against Hédouville and others.

According to the report, nearly $128,000 was allegedly diverted under Hédouville’s leadership, including about $16,000 through official missions that never took place. 

Hédouville has not been convicted of the allegations, and his detention in the United States does not establish criminal liability in either country.

During his tenure at the Office of Citizen Protection, Hédouville was a prominent voice on human rights issues, including prison conditions and attacks on press freedom.

He also publicly criticized the government of then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry and called for Henry’s resignation following the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.

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