Jamaica gears up for arrival of 107 deportees from US

As Jamaica prepares to receive 107 deported nationals on Thursday, the Government is assuring the public that the process is under control and in line with international norms.

“The Government continues to monitor the matter carefully and remains in direct communication with our counterparts in the US and other jurisdictions,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang.

He emphasized that Jamaica, like any sovereign nation, has a duty to accept citizens subject to deportation. “We have consistently fulfilled this duty while ensuring each case is managed with respect for due process and human rights. In the same way that we repatriate foreign nationals who breach our laws, we respect the right of other countries to enforce their own immigration laws,” he said.

Foreign Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith echoed those sentiments, noting that proactive systems are already in place to handle the expected arrivals. “We are not operating in reaction mode and the relevant institutions are already aligned to respond. It is important to note that immigration enforcement has shifted globally, and while Jamaica is not exempt from its effects, we have been planning accordingly,” she stated.

She also pointed out that deportees are not a homogeneous group. “Some have serious criminal backgrounds while others have committed only immigration breaches,” Johnson Smith explained. “The Government is fully aware of the security implications, and the National Security Council is actively assessing risks and strengthening strategies to protect public safety. At the same time, we continue to advocate for the fair treatment of our nationals abroad and ensure that those returning are met with a system capable of managing reintegration. This is not a moment for panic but for preparation.”

To that end, Cabinet has approved a coordinated deportation response action plan and established a multi-agency working group to ensure the process is orderly, secure, and humane.

Approximately 2,500 nationals have been confirmed for removal from the United States over the next two years. In 2023, 655 Jamaicans were returned from the US, and that number rose to 814 in 2024. Between January and April this year, 331 nationals were removed.

Minister Chang confirmed that his ministry, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has been working closely with international and domestic partners to manage the reintegration of returning Jamaicans. He said, “Arrangements have already been made to accommodate incoming migrants with a clear focus on security and reintegration.”

The Technical Working Group, established by the Office of the Cabinet, includes representatives from key ministries, law enforcement, social support agencies, and civil society. Their mandate includes implementing reception protocols, security vetting, reintegration support, and community liaison services to ensure a comprehensive and humane approach to mass returns.