The Ministry of National Security has sought to clarify its position on the recent repatriation of Haitian migrants. 

This, after several human rights groups blasted the government for what they describe as the continuous unlawful deportation of Haitians without due process.

In a two-page media release on Tuesday, the national security ministry sought to debunk the claims. 

Daina Davy has the details.

Seventeen Haitians were repatriated last Wednesday. That group adds to the latest figure of the more than 170 who’ve been repatriated since July, 2023.

Human rights groups have lashed out against the practice. They’ve noted that the Haitians are being kept in filthy police stations before being placed on a boat and transported back to a country in turmoil. 

The groups also noted that on almost all occasions, the migrants are being ripped apart from families and repatriated without the chance of accessing an attorney. 

But the national security ministry says these claims are inaccurate. The ministry says the Jamaica Constabulary Force, JCF, upholds non-discriminatory practices for all individuals in custody, regardless of nationality. 

It says Haitians in detention are held under the same conditions as Jamaicans.

The ministry further refutes claims that children are being left behind. It says all Haitian children, who arrived as part of the different groups, currently remain in the care of the state and either have a parent or guardian in state custody. 

With regards to last Wednesday’s batch of migrants, the national security ministry says the group were discovered by either the police or immigration officials after being on the island without proper documentation and failing to present themselves to the authorities. 

The national security ministry further noted that the government has spent close to $30 million to support the needs of Haitian migrants who remain in Jamaica. 

It says there are approximately 99 Haitian migrants in state custody. Seventy-three of them are under an interim injunction issued by the Supreme Court, which has stayed their deportation.  

The national security ministry adds that the government cannot normalise the illegal migration from neighbouring states as it would compromise the integrity of its borders.

It says the government remains committed to supporting a more sustainable approach for improving the security situation in Haiti.