KINGSTON, Jamaica– Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith says the government is actively monitoring the situation in the United States regarding the intensified implementation of immigration policy, which will see mass deportation operations of unlawful migrants.

Johnson Smith, in a statement on Thursday, said the government is also aware of concerns among citizens both at home and abroad, regarding the situation, which she said, has been heightened by misinformation circulating on social media, including exaggerated claims suggesting that tens of thousands of Jamaicans are set to be deported immediately and simultaneously.

The foreign affairs minister has since dismissed the assertions as false. She explained that there are several processes involved with the repatriation of foreign nationals.

“While new immigration enforcement measures will result in an increased number of Jamaicans being repatriated, there are several processes involved,” Johnson Smith said. “The Government of Jamaica is actively monitoring the situation and will continue our historically close engagement with U.S. authorities. We also wish to make clear that Jamaica, like most, if not all, countries, has international obligations requiring us to accept the return of our citizens who are subject to deportation. As a responsible member of the international community and a respectful bilateral partner, we have always honoured these obligations, with appropriate attention to due process and human rights, as do other nations regarding the repatriation of foreign nationals who have violated our laws in Jamaica.”

She said the first scheduled flight for 2025 of Jamaican nationals subjected to deportation under the regular monthly arrangements that were previously in train, has arrived in Kingston. She noted that individuals subject to deportation fall into different categories, which include individuals who have been convicted of very serious criminal offences, including violent crimes, while others may have breached immigration laws but have otherwise been law-abiding residents engaged in productive employment.

“From a citizen security perspective, as a government, we are particularly concerned about the potential impact of the anticipated increased return of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. The National Security Council is therefore rigorously assessing associated risks and is actively engaged in formulating strategies to mitigate potential threats to public safety. Ensuring the security of all Jamaicans remains our highest priority. The government is also concerned about widespread misinformation surrounding this issue,” said Johnson Smith.

“We therefore urge all Jamaicans to verify information before accepting or sharing it. The best avenues are undoubtedly official US government sources, including the websites of relevant departments and congressional offices, as well as our embassy/consulates.”

She is urging individuals who may have concerns about their personal immigration status to seek professional legal advice. She added that the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, along with our Consulates-General in New York and Miami, has compiled contact information for attorneys with a track record of assisting members of the diaspora.

Johnson Smith said while these lists are not exhaustive, they provide a trusted starting point for those in need of legal guidance and will be available on the relevant websites in very short order.