Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke has voiced opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s deportation policies, expressing concerns over the potential influx of repatriated individuals with criminal backgrounds into Tonga.
“We have enough problems,” Eke stated during his first press conference since assuming office. He highlighted apprehensions that the U.S. administration’s actions could exacerbate existing challenges in Tonga.
The Trump administration has initiated a large-scale operation targeting undocumented migrants, aiming to expel “millions and millions” of individuals. This move has raised alarms among Pacific nations, including Tonga, which are already grappling with the reintegration of deportees, many convicted of serious offenses such as drug-related and violent crimes.
Eke emphasized the broader implications for the Pacific region, noting discussions with the Pacific Islands Forum’s secretary-general about the potential impacts of U.S. immigration policies.
He also criticized the treatment of immigrants under the current U.S. administration, stating, “I think the values we have and also the values of democracy basically [don’t] accept any kind of things like that, about…how we should treat people.”
Law enforcement agencies in Tonga and neighboring Fiji have linked a rise in drug-related crimes to the arrival of deportees from countries like the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. Despite ongoing efforts, the methamphetamine trade remains a persistent issue, with concerns that increased deportations may further complicate the situation.
As the U.S. continues its deportation drive, Pacific nations like Tonga are bracing for the social and economic challenges that may follow, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to manage the anticipated surge of returnees.
