Caribbean News
Intelligence-led Weekend Operations Stop 136 Migrants from Landing; TCI nearing 700 illegals so far for 2023
#TurksandCaicos, February 7, 2023 – Two separate groups of irregular migrants were prevented from disappearing into TCI communities this weekend as a result of joint intelligence-led activity by officers of the Immigration Taskforce unit of the Turks and Caicos Islands Immigration Department, Customs Department, Royal
Following the successful interception of a Haitian Sloop by the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, in the early morning of Sunday February 5, the Task Force Team of the Turks & Caicos Islands Immigration Department earlier detained 47 males and 22 Females who are currently being processed at the Immigration Detention Center.
This was quickly followed by intelligence reports of possible illegal migrants being spotted on the Island of West Caicos.
Immediately, a joint operation with the RTCIPF, TCI Regiment and the Immigration Department Task Force Unit was mobilized and dispatched to the Island of West Caicos. The rapid response of key agencies within the TCI Border Security units resulted in the apprehension of 51 males and 16 females on the uninhabited Island.
All migrants apprehended were safely transported to Providenciales for detention and processing.
The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services wishes to register its profound thanks to the hard-working teams in the Immigration and Customs Departments, the RTCIPF and the TCI Regiment for their commitment to national security and their support in the fight against illegal migration here in the TCI.
The Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister responsible for Immigration & Border Services stated, “Today’s attempts to breach the borders of the TCI shows the levels that offenders will go to illegally enter the TCI. My government has made tremendous investment in the security of the borders of the TCI which today was on full display. I applaud all units that were instrumental in today’s enforcement activities and thank you for a stellar performance”.
Persons with information on illegal migration and other immigration and customs offenses are encouraged to report it anonymously via Crimestoppers, by calling 1-800-8477.