Please keep my identity anonymous.

I am deeply concerned about reports that immigrants in Antigua and Barbuda were rounded up and immediately deported, including some who reportedly held valid residency or legal status.

According to these accounts, people were not allowed to notify their families or contact anyone to bring them clothing or their passports. How can the Prime Minister and the relevant authorities justify treating people this way?

Whether someone has legal status, lacks immigration documents, or is suspected of a crime, they should be treated humanely and given a fair opportunity to challenge the action taken against them.

The reported operation took place on a Saturday, when the courts were closed, making it especially difficult for those affected to seek urgent legal assistance before being removed.

These allegations raise serious concerns about due process, family separation, and respect for human rights. Immigration enforcement should follow lawful procedures and respect human dignity.

I am calling for an independent investigation and a clear explanation from the authorities about what happened, the legal basis for these removals, and whether those affected had access to lawyers and an opportunity to contact their families.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: LETTER: Immigrants have rights too..