By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE United States deported 140 Bahamians between January and August as President Donald Trump’s administration intensified immigration enforcement, with January and March recording the highest monthly returns.

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell disclosed the figure yesterday while responding to questions about the large-scale deportation operations being carried out in the United States.

Thirty Bahamians were deported in January, followed by 14 in February, 30 in March, 18 in April, 14 in May, 14 in June, two in July and 18 so far in August.

The eight monthly figures total 140.

Despite the pace of removals, Mr Mitchell rejected suggestions that the Trump administration’s immigration policies would have wider consequences for The Bahamas.

“What the US does with their immigration policy is their business,” Mr Mitchell said, “but has no impact on us.”

He also said people being deported to The Bahamas must first be confirmed as Bahamian citizens before they are accepted.

The figures show deportations fluctuated sharply over the eight-month period, with January and March each accounting for 30 returns and July falling to just two before rising again in August.