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Miami, Fla. – Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) urged the Florida Department of Children and Families to reconsider their plan to send Baby Ector Jean to Haiti in a letter to Secretary Shevaun Harris. In the letter, Congresswoman Wilson advocates for the best interest of Baby Ector and points to the lack of safety and dire healthcare, economic, and political conditions ravaging Haiti. In recent months, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti, citing increased kidnappings, crime, and civil unrest.

The full letter is included below:

November 4, 2022

Dear Secretary Harris,

I write to urge the Florida Department of Children and Families to reconsider its decision to send U.S.-born baby Ector Jean to Haiti. Born in Broward County in February 2022, Baby Ector is an American citizen by birthright and deserves the security, stability, and liberty of America. Furthermore, Haiti is in no condition to receive Baby Ector.

Rampant kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest compelled the U.S. State Department to issue a Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti. In recent months, the State Department has reduced staffing levels at the U.S. embassy in Haiti and worked under immense pressure to free American citizens from their kidnappers. Moreover, Haiti’s security challenges and a recent cholera outbreak continue to blanket the news.  It’s unconscionable that DCF would think it’s appropriate to strip an American baby of their birthright and send them to a nation where they have never lived.

For years, I have advocated for the Haitian people and worked tirelessly to petition the federal government to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and halt deportations to Haiti. Given the worsening political, economic, and security crises, sending Baby Ector to Haiti is unfathomable. When making these decisions, it is imperative that Baby Ector’s best interest and safety be prioritized. His foster parents currently provide him with a stable environment, but if placed in Haiti, I question whether the same safety can be reasonably achieved.

Baby Ector has medical needs that would render him especially vulnerable in Haiti, where the healthcare system is severely dilapidated. Baby Ector’s ear infections and well-documented cardiovascular disease require treatment and surgery that are virtually inaccessible in Haiti. Moreover, the lack of accessible healthcare in Haiti has been exacerbated in recent months by the exodus of medical professionals due to security reasons.  

Baby Ector’s rights as a U.S. citizen must be protected and I strongly urge DCF to reassess this decision and allow him to remain in America. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Frederica S. Wilson
Member of Congress