A directive from the Ministry of Homeland Security ordering all illegal immigrants currently detained to remain at the Immigration Detention Centre until repatriation has sparked widespread concern among human rights advocates, legal experts, and prison reform campaigners.

Issued by the permanent secretary to the Chief Immigration Officer on instructions from the Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, on October 27, it states detainees are “not to be placed on Orders of Supervision,” as the government considers implementing a mass deportation exercise. The policy took immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.

Denise Pitcher, executive director of the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR), described the move as a “broad-brush approach” posing a risk of criminalising all immigrants indiscriminately. Speaking to Newsday via phone on October 28, she said the measure underscores the urgent need for an updated immigration act or refugee legislation.