A Jamaican man who was being held at Alligator Alcatraz, the detention centre in the Florida Everglades that houses illegal migrants, returned to the island on August 8, 2025, following a collaborative intervention by a diaspora group and the Jamaican Government.
The man, whose name has not been disclosed, reportedly overstayed his time in the United States after his visa expired in September 2024.
According to a news release from the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) for the Northeast United States, his case came to their attention on July 15, 2025, when his sister in Jamaica contacted Michelle Tulloch-Neil, the GJDC’s representative for the region. Tulloch-Neil immediately launched advocacy efforts, including contacting immigration attorney Beverly Clarke for advice.
She later wrote to Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Anthony Anderson, requesting urgent intervention. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade was also brought into the matter.
“A joint effort between Ambassador Anderson and Consul General Oliver Mair in Miami resulted in direct contact with the detention facility, resulting in the initiation of plans for the individual to self deport,” the GJDC said.
“He was subsequently transferred to a smaller facility on July 30, and arrived in Jamaica on Friday [August 8] in good spirits,” the group added.
The man, who had been in the US for approximately two years, was arrested while driving in Florida. During the stop, authorities discovered his visa had expired.
Commenting on the successful resolution of the Florida detention case, Tulloch-Neil said, “It reflects the strength of inter-agency collaboration and the unwavering commitment of the Government of Jamaica to the welfare of its citizens abroad.”
The case comes weeks after reports that a Jamaican was among five migrants deported from the United States to the African country of Eswatini. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the individuals were so “uniquely barbaric” that their home countries refused to accept them.
DHS said that the Jamaican had been convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison. He was also previously convicted of robbery (six-year sentence) and illegal possession of a weapon (six-month sentence).
However, Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade denied refusing the return of any Jamaican. Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said, “The Government has not refused the return of any of our nationals to Jamaica. Accordingly, if the reports are confirmed, the Government will continue its engagements with the U.S. on the arrangements necessary to facilitate the individual’s return to Jamaica.”
