The Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency (PICA) is assuring that there are established protocols between Jamaica and the United States that guide the deportation of Jamaican nationals.

The assurance follows media reports of claims by a man who was recently deported from the U.S. that he is not a Jamaican citizen.

In a statement yesterday, PICA said it acknowledges the report regarding the deportation of an individual in the name Devon Nicely, who claims that he is not a Jamaican but a U.S. citizen named Trevor Anthony Grant.

It said he arrived from the U.S. on a chartered flight to Jamaica on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

PICA said in light of the concerns raised in the public domain, it is seeking to clarify that there are established protocols between Jamaica and the U.S. that guide the deportation of Jamaican citizens.

It explained that these protocols include the presentation of documentary evidence by the U.S. authorities to Jamaican authorities of the nationality and identity of individuals to be deported.

PICA added that it collaborates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and other key stakeholders to verify the nationality and identity of the individuals.

It said in this particular case, the U.S. authorities provided PICA with documentary evidence, including biometric information.

The citizenship agency stated that it conducted investigations to verify the authenticity of the Jamaican birth certificate and other information related to Devon Nicely.

According to PICA this biometric information including fingerprints, linked the individual who arrived on the flight as Jamaican national, Devon Nicely.

PICA said on arrival in Jamaica on February 27, the individual asserted that he was not Devon Nicely.

He was invited to visit PICA with supporting documentation to substantiate this assertion.

PICA noted that on February 28, the man communicated with its investigation and surveillance unit and indicated that he would visit the office yesterday Monday, March 3, with the necessary documents.

PICA said it remains committed to upholding the integrity of Jamaica’s immigration and citizenship processes and will continue to support individuals seeking to clarify their nationality.