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261 Australians and 353 Fijians on Trump’s mass deportation list

Since Trump’s inauguration, ICE has arrested over 3,500 undocumented immigrants, launching deportation flights to their home countries.

Hundreds of Australians, Kiwis, Fijians and Tongans are among the estimated 1.4 million undocumented migrants facing deportation from the United States, as President Donald Trump pushes forward with his hardline immigration policy.

A leaked document from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that 261 Australians, 166 Kiwis, 353 Fijians and 151 Tongans have been identified for removal. The list, titled “Noncitizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship,” places Fiji at the top among Pacific nations. Other island nations affected include Samoa (57), Solomon Islands (3), and Tuvalu (1).

Since Trump’s inauguration, ICE has arrested over 3,500 undocumented immigrants, launching deportation flights to their home countries. While the White House insists that the primary focus is on individuals with criminal records, visa overstayers are also at risk. Many Fijians in the U.S., particularly those working in caregiving roles, now live in fear, uncertain of when or if they will be forced to return home.

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Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, reinforced the administration’s tough stance, calling it the “largest mass deportation operation in American history.” She stated that any foreign national who entered the U.S. illegally is, by definition, a criminal and subject to deportation. While priority is given to those with criminal records, no undocumented immigrant is exempt.

Fiji’s Minister for Immigration, Viliame Naupoto, has assured that all deported Fijian citizens will be allowed back into the country. Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua confirmed that authorities are aware of Fijians involved in drug-related crimes who are now facing deportation. However, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad said it remains unclear how many Fijians will actually be sent home, and discussions on repatriation costs are ongoing.

Concerns are mounting that mass deportations could contribute to rising crime in Pacific nations. Former Fiji Law Society president Dorsami Naidu warned that deportees with criminal backgrounds could introduce sophisticated criminal activities learnt abroad. He cited cases where deported Fijians had been involved in drug trafficking and violent crimes.

Mexico has already set up shelters for deportees, while Tongan authorities fear an influx of criminals could worsen the country’s struggle with drug-related crime. In Tonga’s Hu’atolitoli Prison, overcrowding remains a major issue, with many inmates struggling with drug addiction. Since 2010, an estimated 30 convicted criminals have been deported to Tonga each year.

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