Prominent Haitian group claims to be under continued attack

The San Diego-based Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) said on Wednesday, Oct. 21, that it continues be “under attack”, calling for an immediate investigation into “a series of disturbing incidents.” HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef told Caribbean Life that these incidents involve the photographing and recording of HBA staff and community members, the display of swastikas and other hateful symbols outside HBA offices, and the impersonation of a federal law enforcement officer.  “The purpose and potential use of these images remain unknown, raising serious concerns about privacy, retaliation, and the safety of our team, immigrants and asylum seekers accessing humanitarian, social and legal assistance,” she said.  Jozef said that, this week, an unidentified individual tried to enter HBA’s center  claiming to be an FBI agent but fled when a security guard requested official identification.  She said the individual's identity and affiliation remain unverified.  “For the past couple of weeks, unidentified individuals have been video-graphing and taking pictures of our team and community members creating extreme fear and heightened trauma for both our staff and clients,” Jozef said.  “The surveillance of our staff and immigrant families, the display of swastikas, and the impersonation of an FBI agent are outrageous acts of intimidation and harassment,” she added. “We demand an immediate investigation and accountability. We will not be intimidated or wait for someone to be harmed before action is taken.”  Jozef said the placement of swastikas outside HBA offices invokes “a history of white supremacy, racial persecution, and genocide.  “These are not harmless symbols. They are historically associated with campaigns of terror against marginalized communities,” she said. “Their appearance at an immigrant rights organization demands immediate investigation and accountability.  “Let us be clear: Immigrant rights are human rights,” Jozef continued. “We will not be threatened into silence, terrorized into submission, or intimidated out of our fight for justice.  “The Haitian Bridge Alliance stands undeterred as we continue to provide lifesaving services to our community,” she affirmed, calling on US law enforcement authorities to investigate the alleged impersonation of a federal officer, repeated recording of HBA personnel and visitors, and previous displays of hate symbols. Jozef also wants law enforcement authorities to determine whether the incidents constitute unlawful harassment, threats, or civil rights violations. In addition, she appealed to law enforcement authorities to “take appropriate measures to protect HBA staff and community members and hold those responsible accountable under applicable law.”  Jozef said HBA also called on elected officials, civil rights organizations, and community leaders to condemn intimidation targeting humanitarian organizations and immigrant communities across the US.