KINGSTON, Jamaica — A deportation flight from the US arrived in Kingston on Thursday as a part of the common month-to-month repatriation course of, Overseas Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith confirmed. This marks the primary scheduled deportation flight to Jamaica for 2025.
Whereas the precise variety of deportees aboard the flight stays unclear, Johnson Smith assured that the arrival was according to established protocols and never a sign of any sudden shift in deportation insurance policies.
In a media launch, the minister acknowledged rising issues each regionally and within the U.S. relating to the intensified implementation of U.S. immigration insurance policies. Nonetheless, she dismissed claims circulating on social media that tens of hundreds of Jamaicans have been dealing with quick mass deportation as “categorically false.”
Authorities Monitoring U.S. Immigration Coverage Modifications
Johnson Smith emphasised that the Jamaican Authorities is actively monitoring the scenario and sustaining shut engagement with U.S. authorities. She additionally reiterated Jamaica’s worldwide obligation to just accept the return of its residents who’re topic to deportation.
“For many who could have issues about their private immigration standing, we strongly advise searching for skilled authorized recommendation,” she urged. The Jamaican Embassy in Washington, together with Consulates-Basic in New York and Miami, will quickly present contact particulars for trusted immigration attorneys to help members of the diaspora.
Trump Administration Will increase Immigration Crackdown
The arrival of the deportation flight comes as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies immigration enforcement following his return to the White Home on January 20. Over 3,500 undocumented migrants have been arrested in main U.S. cities since then—far exceeding the 310 month-to-month common beneath former President Joe Biden, in accordance with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Moreover, the Trump administration has begun utilizing navy plane for deportation flights to sure nations, additional signaling a hardline strategy to immigration enforcement.
As issues develop inside the Jamaican diaspora, Johnson Smith reassured that the federal government will proceed to advocate for its residents and supply assets to these affected by evolving U.S. insurance policies.
