Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security is currently carrying out an operation to deport dozens of Haitians who entered the country illegally. On Wednesday night, 17 Haitians—comprising 13 males and four females—who had reportedly been in Jamaica for about a year were sent back to Haiti.
It is understood that the Haitians have been in custody for a period of time and were charged with illegal entry, they were reportedly removed from several holding areas across the country including Freeport, St James, Hanover, St Elizabeth, and Portland late Wednesday evening.
Haiti has been entrenched in a complex web of economic, security, and political crises for many years, leading to a significant exodus of its citizens in search of safer and more stable environments. The situation worsened dramatically following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
This pivotal event not only destabilized the political landscape but also created a power vacuum that enabled gangs to assert control over large parts of the country. As a result, violence and lawlessness have surged, further exacerbating the plight of the Haitian people. Many are fleeing in desperation, seeking refuge from the pervasive insecurity and deteriorating living conditions that have become all too common in their homeland.
