Jamaica’s security minister opens arms to undocumented immigrants

Jamaica’s National Security Minister, Robert Montague, has extended a warm welcome to Jamaicans who are living without legal status in The United States.

Tensions have been high among immigrants from Jamaica and other countries as the Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stepped up efforts to rid the United States of undocumented immigrants even though a US court has put a stop order on an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump in January. A revised order is expected to be inked by Trump next week.

Thousands of immigrants, including Jamaicans and Trinidadians have been rounded up and detained by DHS ans ICE in the two weeks in several US states.

Speaking at the US Embassy's handover of 200 patrol bicycles and two training simulators for defensive driving as well as firearms to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) at the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St Catherine, on Thursday, Montague said as long as those who may be forced to return home, abide by the law then they will be welcomed back with open arms.

However he had a stern warning for those who had intentions of getting involved in nefarious activities. He was firm in his conviction that if those persons ran afoul of the law, they would be sent to prison after due process.

"We want to remind those who want to come back home and wish to break the law that the JCF does monitor some of you, and if you step across the line, the department of correctional services will welcome you," a report in the Daily Gleaner quoted Montague as saying.

"I just want every Jamaican to be assured, those living here and those living abroad, that Jamaica is your abiding city and there is always a place for you in this country. We urge you if you live overseas, you are to obey the laws of the land you call home, but remember, if you have to come back, we will welcome you," he added.