14 J’cans suspected of trying to cross Mexico border detained in Belize
Vanassa McKenzie / Our Today
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade says it is currently monitoring the situation where 14 Jamaicans have been detained in Belize after they were suspected of attempting to enter Mexico illegally.
The group is said to comprise of 11 adults and three children.
“The adults are currently held in a detention facility in Corozal, north of Belize City, while the children are under the care of the Department of Human Services,” the foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, November 14.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith, in an update on Monday, November 13, cited reports of the individuals being brought before a magistrate, following charges of making false declarations to Belize’s immigration authorities when they entered the country.
The 14 Jamaicans are expected to appear in court on Friday, November 17, where they will have the option to return to Jamaica using their return tickets or contest the charges in court.
The foreign ministry further noted that it has made enquiries into allegations of mistreatment and is anticipating further updates from the Belizean authorities.
The government of Belize earlier this year imposed new entry requirements for Jamaicans and Haitians entering the country following an increase in the number of visitors who are using the Central American country to get to the United States.
Jamaicans and Haitians are required to provide evidence of fully paid, non-refundable hotel reservations before boarding flights to Belize.
Johnson Smith has cautioned persons against engaging in illegal migration. She pointed out that they expose themselves to dangerous situations such as kidnapping, human trafficking, and death.
Comments