By Belize Live News Staff: Fifteen individuals have been denied entry into Belize and are currently housed at the Global Village Hotel under guard, awaiting repatriation. According to the Department of Border Management and Immigration Services, the group includes 11 Jamaican nationals—six adults and five minors—who arrived between November 4 and November 11, 2024, as well as four Brazilian nationals who entered Belize on November 11, 2024, via a COPA Airlines flight from Panama.
The individuals were deemed inadmissible for a variety of reasons. Some failed to produce return tickets to their country of origin, while others were traveling with minors without the necessary legal documentation, such as guardianship or consent letters from one or both parents. Additionally, eight of the Jamaican nationals provided an address—#111 North Front Street—that, upon investigation, was found to house businesses and a water taxi service rather than a hotel. There were also instances of hotel bookings made using fraudulent credit cards.
The Department confirmed that three of the Jamaican nationals have filed for judicial review, and as such, further details regarding their cases cannot be disclosed at this time.
This situation has drawn attention to Belize’s potential use as a transit point for individuals aiming to enter the United States or Canada. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s borders and preventing human smuggling operations, especially those involving minors. The Acting Port Commander has informed the Department of Human Services about the children in custody to ensure their safety and well-being during this process.
The Ministry of Immigration has stressed its vigilance in monitoring immigration activity, underscoring that any misuse of Belize’s borders will not be tolerated.
