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THURSDAY JULY 23, 2026
Miami-Dade Scores Big!
Jamaican deportations jump 140% amid rising migration enforcement
After World Cup tourism surge
A total of 1,317 Jamaicans were deported to the island in 2025, representing a more than 140% increase from the 547 who were returned in 2024, according to the latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ).
Miami-Dade County officials and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee are celebrating what they described as a successful conclusion to the FIFA World Cup, citing smooth operations, strong public transit performance and early signs of a significant economic impact across South Florida.
The five-week tournament followed more than two years of planning by local, state and federal partners, with officials saying coordinated efforts in public safety and transportation helped ensure the event ran smoothly. "For five exciting weeks, we welcomed the world to Miami-Dade County," Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement. "The success of this FIFA World Cup is the result of years of planning, thousands of people working together, and countless moments the public never saw. This
tournament reminded the world that MiamiDade is ready for the biggest moments." Miami hosted seven World Cup matches, including the third-place playoff, attracting more than 500,000 fans over the course of the tournament. Officials said the FIFA Fan Festival at Bayfront Park drew more than 600,000 residents and visitors during its 24day run, while more than 30,000 fans attended each match day at Miami Stadium. "The World Cup may be over, but what Miami achieved will endure," said Rodney Barreto, chairman of the FIFA World Cup continues on B2 – Wins big
The findings are contained in the 2025 edition of the annual report published by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). The majority of the deportees, referred to in the report as involuntary returned migrants (IRMs), were returned from the United States. The report also found that the number of voluntary returned migrants (VRMs) rose to 852 in 2025, up 52.1% from 560 in 2024. VRMs are individuals who choose to return to their home country because of personal decisions, economic opportunities or family reasons. In contrast, IRMs are people who are forcibly returned to their country of origin due to legal issues, including immigration violations or criminal convictions. The increase in deportations comes amid heightened immigration enforcement in the United States, prompting renewed discussions in Jamaica about the country’s continues on B3 Deportations
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