CARICOM Weighs US Migrant Transit Agreements Amid Security Concerns

CARICOM Heads of Government met at the Community’s Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana to discuss proposed agreements with the United States on transiting third-country nationals through the region.  The closed-door caucus focused on memorandums of understanding the U.S. has offered to individual CARICOM states, arrangements that would see the region serve as a transit point for migrants being sent back to their home countries, not as a destination for resettlement. Leaders acknowledged concerns shared across the Community about whether smaller nations have the capacity to manage these transit operations. They pledged that any such arrangements would not compromise national security or pull resources away from citizens. Officials stressed the importance of clarifying this distinction for the public, that the deals involve people without criminal records passing through en route home, not settling permanently. They committed to stepping up outreach so citizens understand what’s actually being proposed. Leaders also reaffirmed their support for safe, orderly, and regular migration, along with respect for migrants’ dignity. On the state of negotiations, CARICOM confirmed some member states have already signed the agreements, while others remain in talks with Washington. Regional leaders noted the U.S. has now secured similar transit deals with 30 countries worldwide. The bloc emphasized its long-standing partnership with the United States and recognized the significance Washington places on these agreements.