Deported Dad Restarts Life In Haiti, But Family Not Giving Up

Jean Montrevil, a father of four, may have been deported to Haiti. But his family isn’t giving up hope of getting him back.

Montrevil’s family has launched an online fundraiser to help him restart life in Haiti after being deported on Tuesday. The campaign, which has raised more than $6,000 as of Friday afternoon, will help Montrevil get back on his feet and “build from the ground up” after his forcible removal from the U.S. (See the fundraiser here)

The immigrant came to the U.S. from Haiti with a green card in 1986 at the age of 17.

Earlier this month, Montrevil's ex-wife, Jani Cauthen, said that ICE agents took him into custody outside his home in Far Rockaway, Queens, then transported him to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, which contracts to house federal ICE detainees.

After a two-day stay in Newark, Montrevil was then transported to the Krome Detention Center in Miami, Florida. He was deported Tuesday, his family says.

• See related article: Father Of 4 Jailed In Essex County After ICE Arrest, Family Says
• See related article: Boy Pleads: 'Don't Deport My Dad'

Montrevil has four children, ages 27, 19, 14 and 10. His 14-year-old son, Jahsiah, is "sickly" and underwent brain surgery three years ago to remove a brain tumor.

Montrevil’s son, Jahsiah, wrote the following plea on his father’s behalf:

“My dad was illegally deported back to Haiti on 1/16/18 even though he has pending legal cases in court. I can’t understand why they left me and my sisters without a dad. He paid the price a long time ago and they still punishing him. ICE will not keep our family quiet about this inhumane act. I will continue advocating for my dad to come back to NYC with us. I’m just trying to raise some money to help him get on his feet in a country where he has nothing. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. We have been working very hard to get my dad his fair chance in court. A part of me is missing.”

Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: YouCaring, used with permission