A Jamaican man who was being held at Alligator Alcatraz, the detention centre within the Florida Everglades that homes unlawful migrants, returned to the island on August 8, 2025, following a collaborative intervention by a diaspora group and the Jamaican Authorities.
The person, whose title has not been disclosed, reportedly overstayed his time in the USA after his visa expired in September 2024.
In response to a information launch from the World Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) for the Northeast United States, his case got here to their consideration on July 15, 2025, when his sister in Jamaica contacted Michelle Tulloch-Neil, the GJDC’s consultant for the area. Tulloch-Neil instantly launched advocacy efforts, together with contacting immigration legal professional Beverly Clarke for recommendation.
She later wrote to Jamaica’s ambassador to the USA, Main Normal (Ret’d) Anthony Anderson, requesting pressing intervention. The Ministry of International Affairs and International Commerce was additionally introduced into the matter.
“A joint effort between Ambassador Anderson and Consul Normal Oliver Mair in Miami resulted in direct contact with the detention facility, ensuing within the initiation of plans for the person to self deport,” the GJDC mentioned.
“He was subsequently transferred to a smaller facility on July 30, and arrived in Jamaica on Friday [August 8] in good spirits,” the group added.
The person, who had been within the US for roughly two years, was arrested whereas driving in Florida. Throughout the cease, authorities found his visa had expired.
Commenting on the profitable decision of the Florida detention case, Tulloch-Neil mentioned, “It displays the power of inter-agency collaboration and the unwavering dedication of the Authorities of Jamaica to the welfare of its residents overseas.”
The case comes weeks after stories {that a} Jamaican was amongst 5 migrants deported from the USA to the African nation of Eswatini. In response to the Division of Homeland Safety, the individuals had been so “uniquely barbaric” that their dwelling nations refused to simply accept them.
DHS mentioned that the Jamaican had been convicted of homicide and sentenced to 25 years in jail. He was additionally beforehand convicted of theft (six-year sentence) and unlawful possession of a weapon (six-month sentence).
Nevertheless, Jamaica’s Ministry of International Affairs and International Commerce denied refusing the return of any Jamaican. International Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith mentioned, “The Authorities has not refused the return of any of our nationals to Jamaica. Accordingly, if the stories are confirmed, the Authorities will proceed its engagements with the U.S. on the preparations essential to facilitate the person’s return to Jamaica.”
