Freetown, Sierra Leone – In response to circulating reports and intelligence regarding the possible deportation of Sierra Leonean nationals from the United States, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sierra Leone, convened a strategic meeting with key stakeholders to formulate a coordinated response.
The meeting, led by Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd AIG Morie Lengor Esq, was prompted by social media discussions and gathered intelligence suggesting that nations worldwide are expected to cooperate fully in accepting the return of their citizens who are illegally present in the U.S.
Minister Lengor confirmed that the Immigration Department has been informed about the potential deportations and that preliminary interviews with some affected individuals have been conducted. He emphasized the necessity of developing a unified strategy to manage the arrival of deportees professionally and orderly.
Discussions among stakeholders focused on enhancing migration management and strengthening coordination to ensure the safe and dignified return of Sierra Leonean citizens.
Representing the IOM, Madam Pauline Macharia clarified that while the organization is not directly involved in the deportation process, it remains committed to supporting the government’s efforts to assist returning migrants.
She highlighted IOM’s dedication to providing returnees with access to reintegration opportunities at both individual and community levels, facilitating their successful reintegration into Sierra Leonean society.
Madam Macharia also requested detailed information about the deportees, including demographics such as gender and age, to tailor support effectively.
She reiterated IOM’s commitment to addressing migration challenges with need-driven solutions and expressed a desire to deepen collaboration with the Sierra Leonean government to promote social stability and the psychosocial well-being of returnees.
The meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Immigration Department, the Transnational Organized Crime Unit, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, and the Ministry of Social Welfare, among others. These stakeholders shared insights and discussed pertinent issues related to the anticipated deportations.
The session concluded with an agreement to hold further engagements to prepare adequately for the potential arrival of deportees.
The United States has recently intensified efforts to enforce immigration laws, leading to the deportation of individuals residing illegally within its borders. Recent reports indicate that an executive order has initiated the deportation process for 1,563 Sierra Leoneans as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration.
This development has caused significant concern among the estimated 34,000 Sierra Leoneans residing in the U.S., many of whom fear they could be affected. The anxiety is particularly acute among those who have established their lives in the U.S. over many years.
The Sierra Leonean government, in collaboration with international partners like the IOM, is working to ensure that any returning citizens are received with adequate support to facilitate their reintegration into society.
