PORTLAND, Jamaica — Seventeen Haitian nationals who had been in Jamaica for close to a year were repatriated to their homeland on Wednesday night. This group, consisting of 13 men and 4 women, had entered the country illegally and were taken into custody by local authorities.
Over the weekend, officials moved swiftly to gather the individuals following a court ruling ordering their return to Haiti. Some members of the group had reportedly formed close ties in Jamaica, including relationships and new families, but were still subject to deportation due to their legal status.
Haiti, which has been battling escalating crises on multiple fronts, continues to see citizens fleeing to neighboring countries. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 has plunged the nation into even greater turmoil, worsening gang violence and social instability, leaving many Haitians with no choice but to leave in search of safety and stability.
