First US flight of third-country migrants arrives in Kingston under agreement
A chartered flight bringing foreign travelers from the United States touched down in Kingston on Tuesday. The landing starts a bilateral plan using the island as a temporary transfer stop. Officials escorted the group immediately from the airfield.
The transport held 22 adult passengers, including seven women. Workers processed the group at Norman Manley International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. Police accompanied a bus taking them to an unrevealed site.
Press members received no entry to the area. Jamaican authorities stated they are following rules meant to ensure a safe, orderly and lawful process. The Supreme Court will review the legality of such deals.
Similar transfers under the Trump administration have moved people to Liberia, Eswatini and Paraguay. A June memorandum of understanding created this new operational route. The travelers will go to their home countries or other destinations.
Local sources reported the inaugural group consisted mostly of South American citizens. Official travel records and landing times remained unreleased. Government rules limit incoming numbers to 25 people every two weeks.
Two government agencies released a joint statement about the policy on Tuesday. The Ministry of National Security and Peace joined with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
The ministries said the arrangement relies on the International Organization for Migration. The agency handles housing through its Assisted Voluntary Return program. Local taxpayers will not pay for the operation.
Officials stated that people with criminal records cannot enter the country through the program. In June, security officials denied rumors that the parish of St. Mary would host the travelers.
Political leaders in Kingston voiced concern about the unseen details of the agreement. Fitz Jackson serves as the opposition spokesperson on national security.
Jamaicans are being asked to trust a secret document that touches their security, their communities and their public services.
Jackson called the failure to show the text to Parliament a blatant contempt to the public. Opposition Leader Mark Golding asked what real benefits the nation receives from the pact.
Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith responded on social platform X on Tuesday. She said the team negotiated the transit pact to protect the nation and its people.
Johnson Smith stated the agreement contains nothing harmful. She added that the United States has not agreed to release the text. Evangelical leader Bishop Alvin Bailey questioned why travelers were not returned straight home.
We just don’t trust what the government is saying.
A memorandum of understanding is a formal document describing an official framework between states. The International Organization for Migration assists governments with logistical operations during cross-border transit movements. Capital facilities in Kingston process arriving flights under coordinated aviation security rules.
The program continues with international assistance for outgoing travel.
