The Marshall Islands government is reacting to the latest ICE activities in Springdale, Arkansas by directing the RMI Consulate Office to assist the Marshallese community with educational materials. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko said the government is monitoring the situation closely and that press release and updates will be provided to the public soon.

Marshall Islands Advocate and man of many hats Albious Latior has joined forces with the RMI Consulate Office in Springdale on the matter. Albious said he had received over thousands of inquiries though his social media and that he is trying his best to address everyone. Albious posted photos from the RMI Consulate Office of community leaders gathered meeting with the Honorable RMI Ambassador to the United States over Zoom: “At the request of the RMI Consul General in Springdale, all Marshallese leaders in NWA came together to assist community members with their immigration documents, including I-94s and passports.” Working with a nationwide network of community organizations and friends, some which are legal experts, the Marshallese community is working quickly to address the current situation.

Meanwhile in the Marshall Islands, the RMI Taskforce on Deportation is gearing up to have its SOPs endorsed by President Hilda Heine and her Cabinet. Once SOPs are established, the Taskforce will be able to address issues surrounding deportations. The Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Palau have provided similar safety mechanisms to their citizens in the US.