The Jamaican government says it is “rigorously” assessing the risks associated with the deportation of criminals to Jamaica from the United States of America.
President Donald Trump’s administration has ramped up arrests of undocumented migrants and has promised to increase deportations.
In a media release on Thursday afternoon, Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith noted that persons subject to deportation fall into different categories.
She said some individuals 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,” Johnson Smith stated.
There were reports that 5,120 Jamaicans with questionable antecedents are being targeted for removal from the US.
However, Johnson Smith has dismissed as “false” what she said are “exaggerated claims suggesting that tens of thousands of Jamaicans are set to be deported immediately and simultaneously”.
She said the Government will continue to monitor the situation, engage with the US authorities, and keep the public advised of further developments as
appropriate.
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