Negotiations between the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and the United States regarding the acceptance of third country nationals have reportedly reached an impasse, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne insisting that his administration will not compromise the country’s national security or stability.

Speaking over the weekend, Browne said Antigua and Barbuda remains willing to cooperate with the United States under carefully controlled conditions, but warned that the country cannot expose itself to unnecessary risks by accepting large numbers of deportees without proper safeguards.

Under existing bilateral arrangements, Antigua and Barbuda had agreed in principle to accept a limited number of third country nationals deported from the United States. However, Browne disclosed that the original understanding was for no more than 10 individuals annually, and only under strict vetting procedures.

According to the Prime Minister, those conditions include comprehensive background checks to determine whether the individuals have criminal records, as well as confirmation that each person possesses valid travel documentation.

Browne explained that one of the major concerns facing regional governments is the issue of undocumented migrants arriving without identification.

“What happens sometimes is some of these immigrants who they detain, as soon as they get to the United States, they tear up their travel documents, and we can’t have them here as stateless individuals,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister revealed that tensions in the discussions intensified after the United States reportedly proposed sending as many as 120 deportees to Antigua and Barbuda, a figure he described as unacceptable for a small and vulnerable nation.

He stressed that while Antigua and Barbuda values its diplomatic relationship with Washington, his government must place the interests and safety of its citizens first.

“We’re not promoting any hostility with the United States. We continue to maintain good relations with the U.S. But they have to understand that we have to defend our national interests. We’re a small, powerless, and very vulnerable country,” Browne stated.

The Prime Minister argued that Antigua and Barbuda cannot afford to take unnecessary risks that could potentially introduce criminal elements into the country. He maintained that any agreement must reflect the realities and vulnerabilities faced by small island states.

Browne also indicated that the talks have effectively stalled for the time being, but said Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, has been instructed to engage the U.S. State Department in an effort to obtain further clarity on the matter.

Despite the pause in negotiations, Browne reiterated that his administration remains prepared to assist international partners where possible, but only where the arrangement aligns with the country’s best interests.

“We want to be a cooperative state, but we cannot participate or agree to anything that is to our detriment,” Browne said.

“I cannot justify as Prime Minister of this country to be part of any decision making or to agree, or to be compliant with anything that is not in the best interest of this country.”

Browne further argued that just as larger nations act to protect their own interests, Antigua and Barbuda must be afforded the same right to safeguard its people and national security.

“I hope that the United States understands that because they themselves have issues that are not in their interests, that are inimical to their interests. They stand against those issues, and similarly, even though we are small and powerless, where we see potential risk, we cannot be complicit in any decision that will be detrimental to our country and its people,” Browne said.