President Donald Trump’s immigration policies are putting 151 undocumented Tongans at risk of deportation as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ramps up enforcement.
As of November 24, 2024, ICE reported that 1,445,549 noncitizens have final orders of removal, including individuals from Tonga and other Pacific nations.
Tonga has one of the highest numbers among smaller Pacific Island countries, alongside Fiji (353) and Samoa (57). While Australia (261) and New Zealand (166) have higher numbers than Tonga, both Tuvalu and Vanuatu have the lowest number with 1 each.
The Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement, with ICE making over 2,200 arrests in just two days. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem participated in a high-profile operation in New York City, signaling the administration’s commitment to large-scale deportations.
Tonga is bracing for the potential return of deported individuals, many of whom may have criminal backgrounds. The country is struggling with rising drug-related crimes, exacerbated by deportees with ties to international criminal networks.
Overcrowding at Hu’atolitoli Prison and its psychiatric facility remains a concern, with authorities warning of increased pressure on law enforcement.
Since 2010, approximately 30 criminals have been deported to Tonga annually. With the new crackdown, officials fear this number could rise, posing challenges for Tonga’s justice system and social services.