Federal authorities have filed a civil complaint seeking to revoke U.S. citizenship from former North Miami Mayor Philippe Bien-Aime, accusing him of fraudulently obtaining naturalization by concealing material facts about his immigration history. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones stated the Justice Department alleges Bien-Aime “willfully misrepresented his identity and immigration history throughout the naturalization process.”

Court documents reveal that Department of Homeland Security records—including fingerprint comparisons—identify the individual who naturalized as Philippe Bien-Aime with the same person previously ordered removed from the United States under the name Philippe Janvier. The complaint states an immigration judge determined on July 31, 2000, that Janvier entered the U.S. through fraud using a photo-switched passport and was ordered deported to Haiti. However, no evidence indicates he left the country as instructed.

The filing further alleges Bien-Aime was ineligible for permanent resident status due to an invalid marriage. According to federal investigators, he appealed his deportation order but withdrew the appeal while claiming he had returned to Haiti, when in reality he remained in the U.S., adopted a new identity and date of birth, married a U.S. citizen, and later naturalized as a citizen in 2006 under fraudulent statements. DHS/USCIS confirmed the fraud through fingerprint comparisons between his prior and current identities.

Peterson St. Philippe, Bien-Aime’s attorney, stated the firm is reviewing the complaint and will respond “through the appropriate legal channels” but declined to comment further on pending litigation. The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address immigration fraud, though denaturalization proceedings are lengthy with high legal barriers. If successful, it could raise questions about Bien-Aime’s eligibility for office under North Miami city code, which requires candidates to be U.S. citizens eligible to vote at the time of registration.