Deportation Report Sparks Controversy

A recent article in The New Yorker aimed to draw attention to the hardships faced by deported illegal immigrants. However, this effort was significantly challenged by revealing information from a community note concerning Orville Etria, a Jamaican national.

Etria was deported to a prison in Eswatini. In his remarks about the experience, he expressed feelings reminiscent of historical slave transportation, stating, “It helped me imagine what it must have been like for slaves to go to another land in shackles and chains.”

While the article sought sympathy for Etria, community notes shed light on his criminal background. It turns out that Etria had multiple felony convictions, including armed robbery and murder. His status as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. was revoked following his convictions.

Previously, he held a green card, which was taken away after being found guilty of serious crimes, including possession of a weapon and theft by force. After serving 25 years in prison, he was released in 2021, allowed to remain in the U.S. with annual check-ins. However, he was deported in July 2025 after new immigration policies were announced.

A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security noted, “If you come to our country illegally and violate the law, you could end up in CECOT, Eswatini, South Sudan or other third countries.”

Interestingly, Etria’s aunt argued that he, having a valid passport, should have been sent back to Jamaica instead. Ultimately, he was repatriated to Jamaica in September, as confirmed by officials.

The Department of Homeland Security emphasized the importance of focusing on victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens, suggesting that these victims and their families often go overlooked in media narratives.