Civilian round up crew asked to stand-down by TCI Police

#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – Tuesday, May 29, 2018 – The vigilante task force of civilian men, which cropped-up on Monday is being advised by the Police to stand down, as they could be acting illegally and potentially exposing themselves to danger, in their unauthorized capture of suspected illegal Haitian migrants.

“Members of the Public are asked to be very careful with respect to taking matters into their own hands when they see individuals who may appear to be illegal migrants. Only law enforcement officers can question, detain or place persons in vehicles. We appreciate that the public wish to assist Police and Immigration Officers, but they  should always call the Police or Immigration to avoid an incident that could have a very negative outcome.”

The group of men have been sharing cell phone video of their apprehension activities; they essentially believe it is a patriotic response to the influx of Haitian sloops which have been making landfall in the Turks and Caicos; the illegal people who are getting away.

In the social media video, as many as five males, described as Haitians, are captured and appear bewildered as they are submissively seated in motor vehicles, with drivers, who are Turks and Caicos Islanders.  The captors explain on the video that they are on the way to the Police station to turn the young men into authorities.

In the report from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police, it was said:  The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and Immigration Service is investigating the landing of an illegal sloop on Monday, May 28th, 2018.  A total of 29 Haitian migrants were caught near Technology Drive in the Long Bay area after a 40-foot sloop landed early Monday.  Twenty-three males and six females were taken to the Detention Centre for processing  following a joint interdiction effort by Law Enforcement and members of the Long Bay community.”

The self-appointed round up team says the Police need help, and they are among the residents prepared to give the assistance.  Police have not said how many migrants the civilians managed to bring in, but they did say residents can safely help by doing this…

“If you have any information on this or any illegal landing or see someone believed to be an illegal migrant, please immediately call 911”.