Statement from Church World Service
NEW YORK, NY – The head of a global humanitarian and refugee assistance agency today decried the circumstances surrounding the November 3 death of Haitian asylum seeker Rev. Joseph Dantica, who died while in the custody of U.S. immigration officials.
The 81-year-old Haitian minister and humanitarian, uncle of award-winning Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat, died allegedly of pancreatitis after spending four days in Krome Detention Center, where he was placed by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials along with his son Maxo Dantica following their arrival in Miami. A frequent visitor to the U.S., the elderly Dantica held a valid U.S. visa.
Following weekend memorial services for Rev. Dantica, Executive Director and CEO of Church World Service Rev. John L. McCullough said, "Joseph Dantica’s death was a deep and unconscionable tragedy that must not be in vain. The circumstances surrounding his death are outrageous and cannot be allowed to pass by as if they did not happen.
"With a valid visa, even though Rev. Dantica had this time requested asylum, immigration authorities had discretionary authority to release him. To have denied an 81-year-old man needed medication on top of detention is appalling," said McCullough, "and sadly does nothing more but further damage the image that our country is already suffering in the world community."
McCullough, an African American, said, "Maybe, just maybe, this is an event that will finally wake people and spur Congress to act fairly in its treatment of Haitian asylum seekers."
