KRALENDIJK – The Bonaire Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM BES) has announced it will begin fast-tracking the deportation of Venezuelan suspects and convicted individuals, citing severe overcrowding in the island’s detention facilities. 

Outgoing State Secretary Maarten Struycken acknowledged the measure as undesirable but necessary, stating that the shortage of prison cells has led to situations where Venezuelan nationals must postpone serving their sentences due to lack of space. 

The prison population is increasingly burdened by Venezuelans arrested for drug smuggling, who now account for a significant portion of detainees on the island. 

A permanent expansion of prison capacity is not expected before 2026, forcing authorities to explore short-term alternatives, such as electronic monitoring and early release programs. 

The fast-tracked deportations underscore the ongoing pressure on Bonaire’s justice system, and highlight the broader regional challenges related to migration, crime, and limited detention infrastructure.