On Monday, June 22, 2026, 17 Haitian migrants in an irregular immigration situation were arrested after illegally landing on the northeast coast of Jamaica. The group, comprising 10 men, 4 women, and 3 minors, was taken to the Port Antonio police station for medical examinations and to begin immigration procedures, according to Jamaican police.

The arrests occurred after residents alerted police to the suspicious arrival of a boat carrying migrants in the Passley Gardens area (Portland district).

According to police sources, officers are investigating whether other migrants may have left the area before the arrival of law enforcement.

This landing is part of a continuous flow of desperate sea crossings triggered by the deep humanitarian crisis and gang violence and terrorism in Haiti, which is driving many people to seek refuge in other countries.

It also coincides with heated political debates in Jamaica surrounding the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding with the United States that stipulates Jamaica will serve as a temporary transit country for some migrants of other nationalities deported by Washington, raising concerns among Jamaicans about the repercussions for their country.

TB/ iciHaiti