The latest wave of deportations of Pacific people from the United States was among a range of issues discussed at the recent Micronesian Islands Forum in the Marshall Islands.

The three-day summit brought together leaders from Kiribati, Nauru, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Palau.

Their main focus was on improving cooperation and tackling shared challenges such as sustainable development, climate change, and connectivity. One of the key outcomes of the forum was an agreement between Air Marshall and Nauru Airlines to improve air travel services.

But the recent deportation of undocumented individuals from the US, particularly linked to policies from President Donald Trump's administration, was a major concern at the Majuro meeting.

The Micronesian leaders argued that despite many of their citizens having legal status in the US, they are still at risk of being affected by the government's Mass Deportation Scheme.

On 23 January 2025, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency conducted raids on various 'sanctuary cities', resulting in the detention and removal of thousands of immigrants.

This has led to increased fear among Pacific Island communities in the US, especially in places like California, where strict measures against undocumented immigrants are in place.

Many Pacific Islanders fear deportation back to their home countries, especially those with criminal convictions, as these nations are already dealing with many returning deportees.

It's hard to track the exact number of Pacific Islanders being deported. But reports and available data indicate that hundreds have already been sent back, particularly from Fiji, Tonga, and Sāmoa.

Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Baron Waqa, second from left, with Micronesian leaders and officials in Majuro. Photo/PIF

In total, ICE has aggressively pursued more than 3500 individuals for deportation, also involving flights back to their home countries.

A recently-leaked document from ICE revealed that many individuals from various countries, including 166 New Zealanders, 261 Australians, 353 Fijians, and 151 Tongans, are among the 1.4 million undocumented immigrants targeted for removal.

Titled 'Noncitizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship', the list places Fiji at the top among Pacific island nations, with other affected countries including Sāmoa (57), the Solomon Islands (3), and Tuvalu (1).

But a Fijian lawyer says the deportation of Pasifika is a concern, especially with the increased focus on removals under the current US government.

Dorsami Naidu says the situation poses a risk not just to individuals but also to their home countries, according to The Conversation.

Naidu says many Pacific Islanders in the US are on temporary visas or may have overstayed their allowed time, which increases their vulnerability.

The Marshall Islands government has reportedly stated that the issue has left their citizens living abroad feeling anxious about their status.

President Trump has made immigration enforcement a key priority, introducing significant funding to increase the deportation of individuals from the US. His administration has allocated around US$170 billion (NZ$281.89b) for border and immigration efforts, which include plans to detain and deport record numbers of immigrants.

A White House official told reporters last week that Congress needs to pass a bill for the federal government to purchase more detention beds. "The more beds that we have, the more bad guys we arrest," the official told the media briefing.

During the Majuro Forum, leaders discussed the importance of working together for the future of the Pacific region.

The leaders included FSM President Wesley Simina, Kiribati President Taneti Maamau, Nauru Deputy Speaker Isabela Dageago, Palau Minister Steven Victor, Chuuk Governor Alexander Narruhn, Pohnpei Governor Stevenson Joseph, Kosrae Governor Tulensa Palik, Yap Acting Governor Francis Itimai, and Lieutenant-Governor David Apatang, from the CNMI.

Photo/Office of the President, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Micronesia's importance in the Pacific region

The Pacific Islands Forum's Secretary-General has reaffirmed Micronesia's key role in promoting unity and shared goals among Pacific Island nations.

In his address to the leaders in Majuro, Baron Waqa emphasised the region's commitment to standing together as a strong and inclusive part of the Blue Pacific Continent.

As both Secretary-General and a proud member of Micronesia, Waqa thanked the people of the Marshall Islands for their warm welcome. He says Micronesia’s leadership is central in guiding both regional and global priorities.

Waqa says PIF aims to work alongside other regional groups to strengthen efforts specifically in Micronesia. He stressed the need to develop a cohesive approach across different regions and subregions.

“In a world increasingly marked by turbulence, the Pacific must remain a beacon of hope and unity,” the former Nauruan president says. “We must ensure that the Forum’s priorities align with the lived realities of our people and the Leaders’ vision in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

“The Forum Secretariat will continue to walk alongside Micronesian leaders to ensure that our work not only complements but is guided by your priorities. Together, we will deepen regionalism, build trust in our institutions, and shape a future that is defined by our terms.”

Flags from most of the Micronesian islands participating in the regional summit this week fly outside the International Conference Centre in Majuro. Photo/RNZ Pacific/Giff Johnson

Expansion of island-hopping services

Meanwhile, the Marshall Islands and the FSM have been in talks with Nauru Airlines for two years to extend their island-hopping services to Honolulu.

During the Majuro summit, two agreements were signed: one is between Nauru Airlines and Air Marshall Islands to work together on pilot training, marketing, and sales. The other involves leaders from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau to boost trade and food security through improved cargo services.

While potential expansions of these services to the Philippines and Hawaii were discussed, they were not included in the finalised agreements.

To improve logistical operations and ensure the timely delivery of fresh food and essential goods among the islands, a new regional cargo coordination committee will be set up.

Looking ahead, the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is scheduled to take place in the Solomon Islands from 8-12 September 2025.

Watch Palau’s Minister of State, Gustav Aitaro, paint a picture of the realities faced by Pacific people amid the climate crisis.