Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. and his administration have asserted that they adhered to formal protocols in approving a U.S. agreement to house up to 75 deportees. However, this claim is being challenged by the Senate and the Council of Chiefs, highlighting significant concerns regarding the decision-making process.
Whipps highlighted the formation of a working group that included members from Rubekul Belau, Mechesil Belau, state leaders, and Congress, tasked with evaluating potential deportees and formulating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This group, chaired by Minister Victor and co-chaired by Minister Olegeriil, established criteria stipulating that deportees must be medically fit, of working age, possess valid passports, and have clean criminal records.
Victor provided a timeline indicating that the U.S. request was received in June 2025, and initial discussions, alongside a draft MOU, were shared by July. Nonetheless, objections from the OEK Congress and the Council of Chiefs surfaced, expressing doubts about Palau’s capacity to accommodate deportees and questioning the legal implications, leading to the proposal’s rejection. Victor interpreted these responses as reservations regarding the terms rather than outright rejections of the U.S. request.
Despite these legislative concerns, the working group continued its meetings from October through December, culminating in the signing of the MOU on December 24.
The tension escalated as Senate President Hokkons Baules asserted that the Congress members who attended a meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary Landau were not authorized to join the working group discussions. Lawmakers expressed that they had not received official updates on the working group’s discussions prior to the execution of the agreement.
In addition to the dispute surrounding the deportation agreement, Whipps reported that Palau has garnered $7.5 million in grant funding from the U.S., with $500,000 designated for Palau Community College to facilitate housing arrangements for deportees. Other financial assistance includes $2 million allocated for advisors addressing illegal drug challenges, the establishment of a new hospital partnership, and $6 million aimed at enhancing the national pension plan.
This situation underscores the ongoing friction between Palau’s executive branch, which believes it complied with necessary procedures, and the legislative leaders who are raising important questions about the process’s legitimacy and transparency. Amidst these challenges, there remains an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation between the branches to ensure that the interests of Palau’s citizens are prioritized.