By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THERE has been no increase in the detention or deportation of Bahamians by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite intensified enforcement under the Trump administration, according to Jerusa Lea Ali, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking at the 2025 Model United Nations symposium on Friday, Ms Ali said the ministry receives regular updates from US officials and has not seen any spike in ICE activity affecting Bahamians. She described the working relationship with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as positive.

Ms Ali acknowledged public concern but said the ministry had seen no evidence of increased deportations. She said officials are open to questions and eager to clarify immigration matters for Bahamians abroad.

She added that with many Bahamians living, working, or studying overseas, the ministry is committed to ensuring they understand entry requirements and what to expect when travelling.

As of November 2024, 426 Bahamian citizens were under final orders of removal, though none had yet been detained, according to an ICE report. They are among more than 1.4 million people from various countries facing deportation.

In recent months, the Trump administration has escalated immigration enforcement, using military aircraft for removal flights and warning of diplomatic consequences for noncompliant nations.

Earlier this month, Ambassador to the United States Wendell Jones urged anyone with detained relatives to contact the Embassy Consular Annex for support. Ambassador Jones told The Tribune he had received no reports of detained Bahamians.