Eswatini Government Repatriates US Deportee to Jamaica
The government of Eswatini has announced that it has repatriated a Jamaican man who was deported from the United States under President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Orville Isaac Etoria, 62, was voluntarily sent back to Jamaica over the weekend, according to the Eswatini government.
Etoria had been held in solitary confinement at a maximum security prison in Mbabane, the capital city of Eswatini, since his deportation from the US in July. The US government had described him and four other individuals as "depraved monsters" when they were expelled to Eswatini under Trump's immigration policies.
The Legal Aid Society of New York has condemned Etoria's treatment, stating that he came to the US as a child and held lawful permanent resident status for decades. Lawyers for the remaining four deportees say they have been unable to contact them.
"Eswatini is committed to its international obligations and will continue to engage in efforts to repatriate all individuals who are eligible," said a government spokesperson. "We welcome Mr. Etoria back home and wish him well."
The repatriation of Etoria comes as the Eswatini government faces criticism for its treatment of the deported individuals. The US government's description of them as "depraved monsters" has been widely criticized by human rights groups.
In a statement, the Legal Aid Society of New York said: "Orville Isaac Etoria is a lawful permanent resident who was wrongly targeted and deported from the United States. His treatment in Eswatini is unacceptable and we urge the government to take immediate action to address his situation."
The background of the case dates back to July when five individuals, including Etoria, were deported from the US to Eswatini under Trump's immigration policies. The deportees were held in solitary confinement at a maximum security prison in Mbabane.
The repatriation of Etoria marks a significant development in the case, but the fate of the remaining four deportees remains uncertain. Efforts are ongoing to repatriate them back to their respective countries.
In related news, the US government has faced criticism for its immigration policies under Trump's administration. The policies have been widely criticized by human rights groups and advocacy organizations.
The Eswatini government has maintained that it is committed to its international obligations and will continue to engage in efforts to repatriate all individuals who are eligible.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
