Former North Miami Mayor's Partner Detained by ICE

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After former North Miami Mayor Philippe Bien-Aime was accused by federal authorities of lying during the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen, his partner Sarahjane Ternier was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to records. Ternier, who is also from Haiti, is currently being held at the Broward Transitional Center.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding immigration, citizenship, and political leadership, as the former mayor is accused of fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship while his partner has now been detained by ICE. It raises questions about the vetting process for elected officials and the potential consequences for their families.

The details

Court documents state that Department of Homeland Security records show the person who naturalized as Philippe Bien-Aime is the same individual who was previously ordered removed from the United States under the name Philippe Janvier. The complaint alleges Janvier gained entry into the U.S. by fraud and an immigration judge ordered him removed to Haiti in 2000, but there is no indication he ever left. Federal prosecutors also accuse Bien-Aime of bigamy, claiming his Haitian divorce certificate was counterfeit and fraudulent.

• On July 31, 2000, an immigration judge determined that Janvier gained entry into the United States by fraud and ordered him removed to Haiti.
• In 2019, Philippe Bien-Aime was elected mayor of North Miami.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Bien-Aime to remain free on bail as the legal proceedings continue.