Haitian Immigrant Charged in Hammer Attack Outside Florida Gas Station

Rolbert Joachim, an illegal immigrant released by the Biden administration, allegedly killed a mother of two in broad daylight

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a hammer head against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, investigative aesthetic without any additional context or elements.A hammer, the alleged murder weapon, becomes the sole focus in this stark, gritty image, reflecting the violent nature of the crime.Fort Myers Today

A Haitian illegal immigrant named Rolbert Joachim, 40, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder and criminal damage to property after allegedly bludgeoning a mother-of-two to death with a hammer outside a gas station in Fort Myers, Florida. Surveillance footage appears to show Joachim smashing the woman's car windshield and then repeatedly hitting her in the head with the hammer, killing her in broad daylight.

Why it matters

This incident has sparked outrage over the Biden administration's immigration policies, with critics claiming that Joachim's release into the country and subsequent Temporary Protected Status contributed to the woman's tragic death. The case highlights ongoing debates around border security, immigration enforcement, and the balance between humanitarian concerns and public safety.

The details

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Joachim first entered the US in August 2022 and was released into the country under the Biden administration. A federal judge later issued a final order of removal against him, but he was granted Temporary Protected Status, which expired in 2024. Surveillance footage appears to show Joachim smashing the woman's car windshield, approaching her, and repeatedly hitting her in the head with a hammer, killing her in broad daylight outside the gas station where she worked as a clerk.

  • Joachim first entered the US in August 2022.
  • A federal judge issued a final order of removal against Joachim later that year.
  • Joachim was granted Temporary Protected Status, which expired in 2024.
  • The alleged attack occurred on April 2, 2026.

The players

Rolbert Joachim

A 40-year-old Haitian illegal immigrant who was released into the US by the Biden administration in 2022 and later granted Temporary Protected Status, which expired in 2024.

The Victim

A mother of two teenage daughters who worked as a clerk at the gas station where the alleged attack occurred.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that provided information about Joachim's immigration status and the timeline of events.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that assisted the Fort Myers Police Department in tracking down and arresting Joachim.

Fort Myers Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and made the arrest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 Biden administration release him into the country, but they then gave him temporary protected status. Their reckless immigration policies cost this woman her life.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary

“The arrest of this criminal is an example of how ICE and local authorities can work together to swiftly bring criminals to justice and make our communities safer.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary

What’s next

ICE has lodged a detainer against Joachim, and he will be deported regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has reignited debates over the Biden administration's immigration policies and the balance between humanitarian concerns and public safety. The case highlights the need for stronger border security and more effective enforcement of immigration laws to protect innocent lives.