KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith says that approximately 2,500 Jamaicans have been confirmed for deportation from the United States (US).

Johnson Smith provided the update while speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the Office of the Prime Minister. The figure was given as she moved to dismiss reports that some 4,000 Jamaicans are set to return to the island as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

“We recognise that yesterday there was a headline in a particular publication which generated significant public interest, stating that 4,000 Jamaicans were to be returned. Allow me to be clear that 4,000 Jamaicans are not being returned now. For some time, it has been in the public domain that the US authorities had close to 4,000 persons in their records with final orders for deportation against their names. It is now our understanding that approximately 2,500 have been confirmed for removal over a period of time, to be determined by logistics, their own legal processes and other factors,” the minister noted.

She sought to assure that the deportation of Jamaicans is not a new phenomenon and noted that the Government remains committed to honouring its international obligations to receive its citizens while safeguarding national security and public safety.

“It is not a new phenomenon. For decades, Jamaica has facilitated the repatriation of its citizens under established international arrangements. We receive our citizens when they are returned to us. Just as we expect, and we do, repatriate foreign nationals who commit serious crimes or breaches of our immigration laws. We respect the rights of other countries to do so. As immigration policies continue to evolve globally, the Government remains committed to honouring our international obligations while safeguarding national security and public safety,” she said.

The foreign affairs minister further noted that the Government has expanded the National Reintegration and Rehabilitation Strategy to coordinate reintegration services for the deportees.

“The Government has expanded the National Reintegration and Rehabilitation Strategy. On May 5th, Cabinet approved the establishment of a National Technical Working Group on Voluntary and Involuntary Migrants, recognising that not only is the grouping not homogenous in and of itself, but we now have a subgrouping of those who are returning of their own motion, determining the circumstances in the US to not be where they wish to remain, and those who are being returned, those who have the decision made for them. This technical group is chaired by the Planning Institute of Jamaica. Oversight is provided by the Ministries of National Security and Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the technical group comprises several ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as civil society partners,” she said.

“Its mandate is to coordinate reintegration services and to ensure that returnees are supported in a structured, sustainable manner, and this includes their reception, verification, health checks, security, vetting, and access to social and legal support where necessary,” she continued.

Johnson Smith also used the opportunity to reassure Jamaicans who are concerned about the potential security threats that returning residents may pose.

“Monitoring and detention measures are in place. They will be applied. Again, stakeholders play key roles in helping us as partners in this reintegration and return process, and undoubtedly, there will be further updates on these matters. Jamaica remains committed, and the Government remains committed, together with our partners, to treating all returnees with dignity and fairness while upholding our national security interests. The public will continue to receive updates from the relevant ministries as developments unfold,” she said.

— Vanassa McKenzie