First Genocide Case Brought by INS

U.S. Department of Justice
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Washington, DC  20536

News Release
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Media Services
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www.uscis.gov

August 29, 2002

FIRST GENOCIDE CASE BROUGHT BY INS

WASHINGTON – The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has, for the first time, denied admission to a foreign national based on the commission of genocide. The charge, brought in Immigration Court in Bloomington, Minnesota on August 15, 2002, was lodged against Enos Iragaba Kagaba, of Rwanda. Kagaba was previously charged with fraud and entering the United States without a valid entry document. 

INS Commissioner James W. Ziglar said, “Those who commit acts of genocide have no place in the United States and the INS will use every tool at its disposal to deny their entry into this Country. The INS will continue to ensure that the U.S. does not become a safe haven for human rights abusers and persecutors.”

Kagaba attempted to enter the United States and was arrested on December 14, 2001, at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Shortly after his arrest, the INS district office in Bloomington, Minnesota initiated an investigation to determine whether there was evidence that Kagaba engaged in genocide. INS special agents conducted an in-depth investigation domestically and abroad.

Genocide is a legal ground to deny an application for admission into the United States. The INS has brought the charge in civil removal proceedings. Kagaba has been in INS custody since his arrest.

Kagaba is due to respond to the charge at a pleadings hearing today.

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