Haitian Immigrant Accused of Murdering Florida Woman After Being Granted Temporary Protected Status

The suspect, Rolbert Joachim, had previously been ordered deported but was allowed to remain in the U.S. under a temporary immigration program.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield with a single drop of blood, captured in harsh, direct flash lighting against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violence and tragedy of the crime.A brutal attack outside a Florida gas station exposes the human cost of controversial immigration policies.Fort Myers Today

Rolbert Joachim, a Haitian national, is accused of brutally murdering Nilufa Easmin, known as Yasmeen, by bludgeoning her with a hammer outside the Florida gas station where she worked. Joachim had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was ordered deported, but was instead granted Temporary Protected Status by the Biden administration, which allowed him to remain in the country until the program expired in 2024.

Why it matters

This case has reignited the national debate over immigration policies, with critics arguing that the Biden administration's handling of Joachim's case, including releasing him into the country and then granting him temporary protected status despite a deportation order, ultimately led to the tragic death of an innocent woman.

The details

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Joachim first entered the U.S. in August 2022 and was 'caught and released' at the border. Later that same year, an immigration judge issued a final order of removal against him. But instead of being deported, DHS says he was allowed to remain in the country under Temporary Protected Status, which expired in 2024. Surveillance footage shows Joachim allegedly smashing a car windshield in the gas station parking lot, and when Easmin confronted him, he rushed toward her and struck her in the head with a hammer, causing her to collapse. He then struck her repeatedly again.

  • Joachim first entered the U.S. in August 2022.
  • In 2022, an immigration judge issued a final order of removal against Joachim.
  • Joachim was granted Temporary Protected Status, which expired in 2024.
  • The attack on Easmin occurred on April 3, 2026.

The players

Rolbert Joachim

A Haitian national accused of murdering Nilufa Easmin, known as Yasmeen, by bludgeoning her with a hammer outside a Florida gas station.

Nilufa Easmin

Also known as Yasmeen, the victim who was murdered by Joachim outside the gas station where she worked.

Lauren Bis

The Acting DHS Assistant Secretary who criticized the Biden administration's handling of Joachim's case.

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What they’re saying

“This illegal alien barbarically hit this woman in the head multiple times with a hammer. This heinous murderer was released into the country by the Biden administration. Not only did the administration release him, but they then gave him temporary protected status. Their reckless immigration policies cost this woman her life.”

— Lauren Bis, Acting DHS Assistant Secretary

“Everybody right now is sad. Not only me or my Bangladeshi community — all of us. People around the world are very sad to see this news.”

— M.D. Islam, Local resident who knew Easmin

What’s next

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a detainer on Joachim, and DHS says he will be deported following the resolution of his case.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies, particularly the use of temporary protected status and release mechanisms rather than immediate deportation, and the potential consequences when such policies allow dangerous individuals to remain in the country.