A controversial Facebook post by U.S. law enforcement has ignited a fierce online debate about deportation policies after authorities arrested Tongan national Tutulu Peatau Fale, an undocumented immigrant with multiple felony convictions.
The arresting agencies, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Riverside and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Los Angeles, sparked outrage and support alike when they posted a photo of a handcuffed Fale flanked by two officers.
The caption directly asked the public: “Do you believe prior felons living here illegally should face automatic deportation? Drop a YES or NO in the comments.”
The post follows the Trump administration offering migrants who are in the country illegally a sum worth $1,000 (£751) and paid travel if they decide to leave the US.
“Self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in Monday’s announcement.
Reported figures of undocumented Tongans in the US varied up to 10,000.
These figures were believed to be undercounted because many potential respondents hesitated to participate in interviews or surveys, fearing their information could be reported to immigration authorities or used against them.
In 2020, the US Census reported that 78,871 people in the US have Tongan ancestry.
The Viral Reaction
The Facebook post on Tuesday, 6, said Fale has past convictions for burglary, grand theft, and possession of a dangerous weapon.
The post went viral, attracting thousands of polarised responses, with 1,200 reactions, 300 comments, and 115 shares.
“Absolutely!! Remove them all!” wrote one commenter, echoing many others who demanded strict enforcement.
Another added: “It should be automatic deportation. This man broke into our country (which itself is illegal) AND has a criminal record. He has no rights as an American anyway.”
However, a vocal contingent defended Fale.
“Anyone with prior convictions deserves a second chance,” argued one supporter. “Your past doesn’t define you. Why are murderers allowed to walk free while someone who reformed gets deported? He’s paid for his mistakes—this is double jeopardy.”
The post reignited fears that mass deportations of Tongans from the U.S. could overwhelm Tonga’s already strained prison system and exacerbate its ongoing drug crisis.
Tonga’s Prime Minister, ‘Aisake Eke, previously criticised Trump’s immigration crackdown, warning that an influx of deported migrants would only worsen the kingdom’s existing challenges.
