Summary (tl;dr)

Two of three Jamaican nationals recently deported by the United States to Eswatini have declined their government's offer to return home, indicating a preference to remain abroad or seek return to the US. These deportations are part of a controversial U.S. program that sends migrants to third countries.

Essential Background

The United States operates a "third-country nationals (TCN) program" which deports individuals, including some whose home countries would accept them, to African nations rather than repatriating them directly to their countries of origin. Eswatini has received at least 19 deportees under this program since July 2025. Notably, a Jamaican man named Orville Etoria was among the first group of five men sent to Eswatini in July 2025, where he was held in a maximum-security prison before being voluntarily repatriated to Jamaica with the assistance of the United Nations' International Organization for Migration. This program has faced significant criticism from lawyers and human rights organizations due to concerns over arbitrary detention and a lack of due process, compounded by Eswatini's own international reputation for human rights issues.

The Full Story

In July 2026, a new group of 11 individuals, including three Jamaican nationals, were deported to Eswatini under the U.S. TCN program. Among them is Junior Alves, a 64-year-old Jamaican pastor who had resided in the United States for 44 years. Jamaica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, through its Consulate General in Miami and High Commission in Pretoria (which is accredited to Eswatini), has successfully established contact with two of these Jamaican deportees. Despite being informed of available consular assistance and the Jamaican government's willingness to facilitate their return, both individuals stated that they do not wish to return to Jamaica at this time. Reports indicate they would prefer to reunite with their families in the United States. The Jamaican government is currently still attempting to make contact with the third national.

Why It Matters

The refusal of these deportees to return to Jamaica underscores the complex humanitarian implications and personal toll of the U.S. third-country deportation program. Their situation raises critical questions about the long-term welfare and legal status of individuals deported to countries with which they have no prior connection. The case continues to draw attention to the concerns articulated by human rights advocates and legal experts regarding arbitrary detention, due process, and the human rights record of Eswatini. The personal circumstances of individuals like Junior Alves, a long-term U.S. resident with deep family ties in the country, highlight the profound impact of these deportation policies.

Geographic Location

• Eswatini (deportation destination, current location of deportees, detention)
• Kingston, Jamaica (location of Jamaica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, government efforts to repatriate citizens)
• Miami, Florida, United States (location of Jamaica's Consulate General, initial consular contact with deportees)
• Pretoria, South Africa (location of Jamaica's High Commission accredited to Eswatini, diplomatic efforts)
• Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (location of Jamaica's Embassy for diplomatic inquiries to US authorities)
• Florida, United States (location where Junior Alves was apprehended by ICE)