A Jamaican man who was mistakenly deported from the United States to the Kingdom of Eswatini has now been safely repatriated to Jamaica, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith confirmed Monday.
Orville Etoria, who had been among five migrants controversially removed from the U.S. in July, returned home following weeks of diplomatic coordination. Johnson Smith said his case required “sustained engagement” between her ministry, the Government of Eswatini, and Jamaica’s High Commission in Pretoria.
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“We are pleased to welcome home Mr. Etoria, and we trust the Jamaican people understand and join the Government in respecting his desire for a quiet return,” Johnson Smith said in a statement. “This case once again demonstrates the importance of international cooperation and the role of our diplomatic network in protecting the rights of Jamaicans overseas.”
The minister expressed gratitude to Eswatini’s government, the International Organization for Migration, and Jamaican diplomatic staff in Pretoria, noting that their combined efforts ensured Etoria’s safe journey back. Personnel from the Ministry of National Security and the foreign ministry were on hand to receive him.
Etoria’s deportation drew international attention after U.S. officials described the five migrants as “barbaric” and claimed their countries of origin had refused to accept them. Johnson Smith later rejected that characterization, stressing that Jamaica had never refused the return of any of its nationals and had formally sought clarification from Washington.
“This matter underscores why vigilance, strong partnerships, and advocacy on behalf of Jamaicans abroad remain central to our foreign policy,” the minister said.
