Chambersburg man with Haitian K-1 status reportedly detained by ICE
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A Chambersburg man from Haiti is reportedly being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and people close to him say they’re trying to understand why.
Yvel Jean, a Haitian national, has reportedly been held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center for four months, according to Jamie Smith, a friend and advocate speaking on behalf of Jean’s family.
“He loves people,” Smith said. “I’ve seen him personally help an elderly lady here in Chambersburg across the street, go in, purchase her a pack of water, carry it back to her place for her whenever it was hot last summer.”
Smith said Jean stepped in to assist someone experiencing a medical emergency, but when police were called to the scene, Jean was taken into custody after police claimed he was the aggressor.
“He was acting in good service,” Smith said. “He fears that if he goes back that he’ll get killed in gang violence just trying to get back to the village where his mother is.”
Yvel Jean, a Haitian national, is reportedly being held in Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. (Courtesy of Jamie Smith)
Jean was taken and processed at the Franklin County Jail and then transferred to Clearfield County, Smith said.
She said Jean entered the United States legally under a K-1 citizenship status and married his wife whom Smith said he has known for a decade. They married within the 90 day requirement, and filed for an adjustment of status.
His request was denied while his charges have been dismissed.
“They were together for five [years] when he came to this country,” Smith said. “They did have their own home in Haiti, but it had been taken by the gang at this point.”
Smith said she is working with legal counsel in Harrisburg but said the costs are adding up.
“I try not to ever lose hope. I always believe that justice will prevail,” Smith said. “It’s taken a huge emotional toll on my faith in our country and humanity alone.”
CBS 21 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security about this case but has not yet heard back.
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