The Government has shot down as false claims made on social media that the first set of Jamaicans deported from the USA under the Donald Trump Administration’s mass expulsion campaign arrived in the island on Thursday.

Foreign Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith pointed out in an early afternoon statement that Thursday’s flight was a continuation of “the regular monthly arrangements previously in train” and was the “first such scheduled flight for 2025”.

Last night, a Jamaica Observer source with knowledge of the flight said the number of Jamaicans who arrived was just over 50.

Trump began his second term on January 20 with a flood of executive actions aimed at revamping US immigration. His Administration quickly moved to ramp up deportations by, among other things, relaxing rules governing enforcement actions at “sensitive” locations such as schools, churches, and workplaces.

Amid unconfirmed reports that 5,120 Jamaicans with questionable antecedents are targeted for removal in raids by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Johnson Smith said the Government is acutely aware of concerns among Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, regarding intensified implementation of US immigration policy.

“We recognise that these concerns have 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. These assertions are categorically false,” the foreign minister said.

“While new immigration enforcement measures will result in an increased number of Jamaicans being repatriated, there are several processes involved. The Government of Jamaica is actively monitoring the situation and will continue our historically close engagement with US 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,” Johnson Smith added.

She said that while it is important for the public to understand that people subject to deportation fall into different categories — some 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 — the Government, from a citizen security perspective, is 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,” Johnson Smith said, adding that the security of all Jamaicans remains the Government’s highest priority.