An ongoing investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has led to charges against a Rwandan man accused of obscuring his involvement in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Faustin Nsabumukunzi, who had been living in Bridgehampton, New York, is alleged to have hidden his past actions while applying for U.S. residency and citizenship.
ICE alleges that Nsabumukunzi, 65, held the position of "Sector Counselor" in Rwanda during the genocide when the majority Hutu population targeted minority Tutsis in violent acts, resulting in an estimated 800,000 deaths. Nsabumukunzi was apprehended on April 24 on Long Island.
The announcement of the charges was made by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York acting Special Agent in Charge Darren B. McCormack; Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and John J. Durham, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
“This defendant has been living in the United States for decades, hiding his alleged horrific conduct, human rights violations, and his role in these senseless atrocities against innocent Tutsis,” said McCormack. He added that HSI New York will not tolerate harboring individuals linked to such crimes.
Andre R. Watson, Assistant Director for National Security, emphasized the commitment to ensuring the U.S. does not serve as a sanctuary for human rights violators. “We will work tirelessly to identify, investigate, and remove perpetrators of genocide, torture, war crimes and other human rights violations and to ensure justice for their victims,” he stated.
According to the allegations, Nsabumukunzi directed violence in Rwanda and misrepresented his history when he applied for entry to the U.S. in 2003 and subsequently secured permanent residency and sought citizenship. The indictment claims he lied to U.S. immigration officials, denying involvement in the genocide.
“As alleged, the defendant participated in the commission of heinous acts of violence abroad and then lied his way into a green card and tried to obtain U.S. citizenship,” Galeotti remarked. U.S. Attorney Durham highlighted the long passage of time Nsabumukunzi had avoided accountability, asserting commitment to prosecution.
Nsabumukunzi faces charges of visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud, with initial court proceedings held in the Eastern District of New York on April 24. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
The ongoing investigation is conducted by ICE HSI New York’s Long Island office, with contributions from the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center. ICE remains active in identifying human rights violators, managing numerous investigations, leads, and removals from varied countries.
The public is encouraged to report information about human rights violators residing in the U.S. through the ICE Tip Line or email.
The charges are accusations and no guilt is assumed until proven in court.
