connection with his immigration status “will be handled carefully and fairly, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations”. Santokhi, who was head of state of this Dutch-speaking CARICOM country, issued a statement amid reports that his son, Richano Santokhi, had been detained by United States officials in connection with his residency status. President Donald Trump's Executive Order, titled “Securing Our Borders”, calls for all immigrants who are undocumented, and thus in violation of federal immigration law, to be subject to criminal charges and to be deported from the United States. But observers say the policy violates human rights due to the inhumane detention conditions, denial of due process, discriminatory policing, and exploitation of immigrant workers. In addition, critics point to concerns like arbitrary deportations conflicting with both US and international human rights standards. Santokhi said that his son’s residency application was already being processed by the competent authorities and that he was receiving legal representation from a lawyer. “As a father, I trust that this matter will be handled carefully and fairly, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” Santokhi said, adding that he regrets some people would seek to exploit his son’s personal situation for political or publicity purposes. “It is unfortunate that there are people who are abusing this issue to inflict political and publicity damage,” Santokhi said, even as he asked for respect for his family’s privacy. “In the interest of the privacy and protection of my family, I will confine myself to this explanation,” he said, urging the media to exercise restraint in addressing the matter. (Jamaica Gleaner)