FL FL - 6 + 1 (11 Jun 2022) Special Olympics delegates from Haiti, ages 18-32, Kissimmee, luggage & personal items left behind, 6 June 2022

[caradana]

Quote edited by me.

So after we establish the well-being of the gentleman is just fine, we're to be calling emergency 911 why exactly?

Sigh.

So they can deploy their resources to chasing down a guy so that maybe agents from another agency can spend money trying to deport him back to a hellhole. There’s nothing else to do in Orlando law enforcement, right? I mean, no crime or social issues or anything like that. Thankfully.

 

[neesaki]

A seventh member of the Special Olympics Haitian delegation was reported missing Sunday morning after he didn't show up at the airport for a scheduled flight, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office has announced.

Louis Jacques Wilguens, 25, was last observed getting off the bus at the All Star Sports Resort at about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, the department said. He was last observed wearing red sandals, blue jeans, and a white Special Olympics Shirt with Haiti written on it. He was scheduled to fly back to Haiti early Sunday, but has not been seen since getting off the bus.

The Sheriff's Office advises that if contact is made with Wilguens, listed at 5-for-8 and 170 pounds, check his well-being, then contact the Office at 407-348-2222 or by dialing 911 in reference to case #22I062366.

Another Haitian reported missing from Special Olympics USA Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports

A seventh member of the Special Olympics Haitian delegation was reported missing Sunday morning after he didn't show up at the airport for a scheduled flight, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office ha

www.aroundosceola.com

He flew in on Saturday and was to fly out the next morning? That seems such a short time to be here.

 

[caradana]

He flew in on Saturday and was to fly out the next morning? That seems such a short time to be here.

I read it as he was at a Special Olympics athletic event, probably at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex, which is down the street from that hotel. He took a bus back from there to the hotel on Saturday. And poof.

 

[PayrollNerd]

Perhaps the 6 original men were waiting on the 7th to "escape" then make their move. Something like turning themselves in to authorities via their attorney, sponsor or however asylum works. They're probably in a safe house or similar. After living in Haiti, I can just imagine they'd be fine crowded into a small place. No need for extravagance, just the basics until they can make their claim. I hope they are safe and being cared for. I realize if they've defected, they could be deported but human rights still prevail.

Obtaining Asylum in the United States | USCIS

ALERT: Court Order on Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final RuleOn Aug. 3, 2023,

www.uscis.gov

 

[PommyMommy]

Is he separate from the group of 4/5 individuals missing from the Special Olympics Haiti Delegate that has a thread here?

Oops, I didn't realize he was part of the delegation but sure enough...

Another Haitian reported missing from Special Olympics USA Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports

A seventh member of the Special Olympics Haitian delegation was reported missing Sunday morning after he didn't show up at the airport for a scheduled flight, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office ha

www.aroundosceola.com

A seventh member of the Special Olympics Haitian delegation was reported missing Sunday morning after he didn't show up at the airport for a scheduled flight, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office has announced.

 

[minneolo]

I am rooting for them…

 

[TGIRecovered]

I'm rooting for immigration laws already on the books and flagrantly ignored to be enforced.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

I am rooting for them…

Me too.

 

[airportwoman]

Has anyone said which of the seven is the disabled one? They all look normal, whatever that is, and being stranded (assuming they're not in a safe house) in a country where they don't know the language, customs, etc. is scary enough if you aren't mentally disabled.

 

[JayLee#99]

I hope they get asylum. It’s easy for Americans to say “send them back” when we know nothing other than the American dream.

 

[JayLee#99]

Has anyone said which of the seven is the disabled one? They all look normal, whatever that is, and being stranded (assuming they're not in a safe house) in a country where they don't know the language, customs, etc. is scary enough if you aren't mentally disabled.

Exactly! If that doesn’t prove the desperation to get out of their country, I don’t know what does.

 

[branmuffin]

Perhaps the 6 original men were waiting on the 7th to "escape" then make their move. Something like turning themselves in to authorities via their attorney, sponsor or however asylum works. They're probably in a safe house or similar. After living in Haiti, I can just imagine they'd be fine crowded into a small place. No need for extravagance, just the basics until they can make their claim. I hope they are safe and being cared for. I realize if they've defected, they could be deported but human rights still prevail.

Obtaining Asylum in the United States | USCIS

ALERT: Court Order on Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final RuleOn Aug. 3, 2023,

www.uscis.gov

They'll be long gone from that location. They all speak fluent French. I wouldn't be surprised if they are heading to Canada, Quebec specifically. I hope they are up on the news, though, because Quebec is asking for help with the unofficial border crossing called Roxham Rd for thousands of 'refugees' many of them French speaking.

The earthquake that flattened their country was in 2010. Even though many countries provided relief, the usual happened: corruption and diversion of funding so those people have seen very little happen in 12 years. Plus, Temporary Protection Status for Haitian refugee status was extended only to the end of 2022. If they are on their way to Canada, they would be turned back at the border IF the US had already provided safe haven under TPS. You don't get to pick and chose your country of harbour.

In their shoes, I would have done the same. I just hope the one with the intellectual disability remains with the group.

 

[steeltowngirl]

So they can deploy their resources to chasing down a guy so that maybe agents from another agency can spend money trying to deport him back to a hellhole. There’s nothing else to do in Orlando law enforcement, right? I mean, no crime or social issues or anything like that. Thankfully.

One would think Florida would be busy enough banning math books and pushing the “Parental Rights in Education“ agenda. But DeSantis harshly invokes “You’re not welcome here” towards Haitian refugees. I pray these young men find safe harbor in another state (or country) where they will be granted due process to apply for political asylum.

 

[NeverPersonal]

This is such a weird chain of events!

 

[airportwoman]

Any further updates on this case?

 

[YaYa_521]

Haitian Special Olympics delegates still missing, Team returns home with 11 Medals

By Shanieka Smith Features Writer #USA, June 25, 2022 – Florida police are still trying to find seven delegates of the Haitian Special Olympics team who disappeared during the Games in early June. The latest is Louis Jacques Wilguens who was last seen disembarking a bus at the All-Star Sports...

magneticmediatv.com

June 25, 2022
SBM

The Police say the men “turned in their room keys, left behind their personal bags and belongings,” and have not been seen since. [snip] All of the other delegates have made it safely back home.

 

[Laughing]

I'm rooting for immigration laws already on the books and flagrantly ignored to be enforced.

I hope they get asylum. It’s easy for Americans to say “send them back” when we know nothing other than the American dream.

Remember please that one can do both...if these gentlemen head to an embassy (or to Canada,) they are indeed following procedures. These gentlemen entered the USA legally and are due our Constitutional protections while here.

Very different from walking across a border while skipping Immigration entirely.

jmho ymmv lrr

 

[hibachai]

I think I’d hit the road and take my chances. This is his one shot at the brass ring.

p.s. predicting the usual responses around
… but he isn’t allowed
… but he isn’t following the rules
… but other people do this legally and correctly
… but he’s going to steal American jobs
… but Title 42
… but he’s going to ask for welfare or social services
… but he might use medical resources he shouldn’t be entitled to
… but
… but
… but

To all of that I would say, WWJD?
Pretty sure he’d hand him the sandals off his feet and wish him well on the journey.
If I saw this guy in Florida I wouldn’t be calling 911. There but for the grace of God go I, that I wasn’t born with special needs in Haiti, that I was born healthy to a privileged women in the United States. Luke 12:48.
xo

I am so happy to see comments like this on this thread. As an Syrian-immigrant, with many loved ones who have sought asylum during the ongoing bloodshed, thank you.

 

[musicaljoke]

They'll be long gone from that location. They all speak fluent French. I wouldn't be surprised if they are heading to Canada, Quebec specifically. I hope they are up on the news, though, because Quebec is asking for help with the unofficial border crossing called Roxham Rd for thousands of 'refugees' many of them French speaking.

The earthquake that flattened their country was in 2010. Even though many countries provided relief, the usual happened: corruption and diversion of funding so those people have seen very little happen in 12 years. Plus, Temporary Protection Status for Haitian refugee status was extended only to the end of 2022. If they are on their way to Canada, they would be turned back at the border IF the US had already provided safe haven under TPS. You don't get to pick and chose your country of harbour.

In their shoes, I would have done the same. I just hope the one with the intellectual disability remains with the group.

They wouldn't likely escape to Canada. Canada is already trying to increase the number of immigrants, especially those who can speak French, so there is no need for such drastic measures. Also, they wouldn't be eligible for asylum if they enter from the US for reasons which have been debated in parliament.

France-Canada Transitions: Why Canada Is A Top Destination for French Immigrants - FWCanada

For individuals all over the world, immigration to Canada is an exciting prospect, but French citizens have been at the forefront of this realization in

www.canadianimmigration.net

Canada to increase French-speaking immigration

The federal government will give an advantage to skilled workers who speak French and are applying for permanent residency and immigration to Canada. The decision does not apply to those applying to come to the French-speaking province of Quebec, since that province runs its own immigration program.

www.rcinet.ca

 

[branmuffin]

They wouldn't likely escape to Canada. Canada is already trying to increase the number of immigrants, especially those who can speak French, so there is no need for such drastic measures. Also, they wouldn't be eligible for asylum if they enter from the US for reasons which have been debated in parliament.

France-Canada Transitions: Why Canada Is A Top Destination for French Immigrants - FWCanada

For individuals all over the world, immigration to Canada is an exciting prospect, but French citizens have been at the forefront of this realization in

www.canadianimmigration.net

Canada to increase French-speaking immigration

The federal government will give an advantage to skilled workers who speak French and are applying for permanent residency and immigration to Canada. The decision does not apply to those applying to come to the French-speaking province of Quebec, since that province runs its own immigration program.

www.rcinet.ca

I wonder if any of these individuals would have been eligible to emigrate through regular channels. Most of them seem too young to be in adminstration roles within the Special Olympics and probably would not have been approved for immigration purposes, especially someone who was intellectually challenged. One of the reasons a person may be inadmissable for immigration is if they put undue pressure on health and social services.

Since all we can do is speculate as to their motives and plans, I think they are a group of individuals who decided to take a chance to grasp the gold ring during a rare opportunity to be within spitting distance of a country that has a reputation for allowing refugees from places other countries ignore. As recently as October, many French Haitians who arrived in the US via the Mexican border were hoping that Canada would take some of them in. Instead, the majority were returned to Haiti from the US. I think it's possible if any of those Haitian asylum seekers had made it through the border they would have made their way to Canada.

One of the largest Haitian diaspora is in Miami which is pretty close to where they stayed but I think it's probably the first place immigration would have started looking. I don't think these Haitians would qualify anymore for TPS since the extension only applies to those who were already assigned as of August 2021. So it makes sense to me they'd try to travel to next largest community in North America.