Jamaica's government stated that two of three citizens recently deported by the U.S. to Eswatini have refused offers to return to Jamaica. Officials are still trying to contact the third individual, while lawyers and human rights groups criticize the U.S. for third-country deportations.
The situation highlights growing concerns over U.S. deportation practices to third countries, raising human rights issues and diplomatic complexities for nations like Jamaica and Eswatini.
Jamaica's government announced that two of three citizens recently deported by the United States to Eswatini have formally declined offers to be repatriated to their home country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated late Thursday that Jamaican officials were still attempting to contact the third citizen.
During discussions, the men were informed of available consular assistance and the government's willingness to facilitate their return to Jamaica. However, both individuals maintained they did not wish to return to Jamaica, and Jamaican authorities could not determine their immigration status in the U.S. or secure their return there. Contact was facilitated through the Jamaican Consulate in Miami and a legal adviser representing the men, who have not been publicly identified.
Jamaica's outreach followed diplomatic inquiries to U.S. officials in Washington and formal representations made to Eswatini's government via Jamaica's diplomatic mission in Pretoria, South Africa. The U.S. government's increasing practice of deporting individuals to third countries, including Eswatini, has drawn widespread criticism from lawyers and human rights organizations. Eswatini, a kingdom bordering South Africa, is ruled by a king with absolute power and has faced accusations of suppressing pro-democracy movements.
Orville Etoria, the first Jamaican national sent to Eswatini under this program, was repatriated to Jamaica in September. His lawyers have alleged unlawful deportation by the U.S. in July 2025 and claimed that he and others were denied legal visits. Etoria's repatriation was aided by the International Organization for Migration, a U.N. agency.