Jamaica receives first third-country deportees from the U.S.
Twenty-two migrants landed in Kingston. The government calls it a transit program, while the opposition criticizes a secret deal with Washington.
Graphic: TERRA WORLD NEWS (own graphic based on the sources listed)
The first flight carrying third-country nationals from the United States landed in Jamaica on Tuesday. It carried 22 adults, including seven women, AP reported; unofficial sources said most were South American. They were taken under police escort to an undisclosed location, and the media was denied access. Under a memorandum signed in June, no more than 25 people may arrive every two weeks. The International Organization for Migration handles housing and returns, and anyone with a criminal record will not be allowed to transit.
According to the Jamaica Observer, the arrangement can be suspended if 10 people apply for asylum, and the U.S. has not agreed to make it public. Opposition lawmaker Fitz Jackson called that "blatant contempt to the people of Jamaica," while Opposition Leader Mark Golding asked what Jamaica gains. Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said the government had protected Jamaica's interests. The U.S. has similar deals with Liberia, Eswatini and Paraguay.