The Department of Homeland Security has urged that a 20-year-old Haitian citizen accused of fatally stabbing his coworker at a Michigan food processing plant not be released back onto the streets.
Valmir Djempsley is charged with the June 30 slaying of 21-year-old Brandon Eduardo Velasquez Chavez at the Clemens Food Group plant in Coldwater. The killing occurred during an argument between the two men, during which Djempsley allegedly chased Chavez with a knife before stabbing him in the back.
Djempsley told authorities that Chavez headbutted him during the verbal confrontation. Chavez died at the scene despite life-saving attempts by first responders.
Local prosecutors noted that Djempsley was on a work visa at the time of the incident. However, he is accused of entering the United States illegally through Texas in 2024 and was subsequently released into the country by the federal government.
Djempsley is currently charged with murder and has pleaded not guilty. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer request for Djempsley with local authorities.
Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated, "This illegal alien barbarically stabbed his coworker to death. This murderer was released into American communities by the federal government. If it weren't for the reckless open border policies, this criminal never would have been in our country in the first place and his victim would still be alive."
At the time of the killing, the men were arguing over Chavez using one of Djempsley's knives. Djempsley was denied bond and is currently being held in the Branch County jail.
A Branch County prosecutor described the crime as the "most serious violation known to humankind." The defendant was considered a guest in the country at the time of the crime, but chose to engage in violent behavior.
