TCI News
Joint Operations Result in Interception of Illegal Migrants in Providenciales
#RoyalTCIPolice, #Providenciales, June 10, 2024 – The Royal Bahamas Defence Force intercepted an illegal sloop transporting SIXTY-SIX (66) irregular migrants on the evening of June 9th, 2024.
The detained group, comprising FIFTY-FIVE (55) males and ELEVEN (11) females, was
intercepted in TCI waters and handed over to the TCI Immigration Task Force for processing.
On June 8th, the Marine Branch of the RTCIPF intercepted a blue and white fibreglass boat
carrying thirty-two (32) irregular migrants.
The boat was spotted 27 miles east of South Caicos and found to be transporting twenty-six (26)
males and six (6) females. The irregular migrants were handed over to Immigration for
processing.
These successful interdictions came following information obtained from a US Customs and
Border Force aircraft.
A joint operation conducted on June 7th has led to the detention of irregular migrants in Blue
Hills. Acting on the information received, authorities detained forty-eight (48) individuals
running along a beach.
Officers conducted extensive searches of surrounding areas, and tragically, the body of a female
was found at Pigeon Pound. Further investigations are ongoing, but it is believed the incident is
linked to a vessel attempting to enter the country illegally.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Specialist Tactical Operations) Mat Newton states, “I
wish to thank all law enforcement agencies for their invaluable assistance in intercepting illegal
sloops attempting to enter the TCI. Your dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in
ensuring national security and protecting our borders. Our Radar, Marine and Drone units, the
TCI Regiment, the Immigration Task Force, and the Customs Department conducted the
operations.
“The RTCIPF strongly condemns the attempts to enter the TCI illegally. Such actions violate the
law and pose severe risks to life, especially in adverse weather conditions.
“We urge those facilitating and encouraging these illegal attempts to consider the severe
consequences. Do not risk your life or the lives of others by embarking on such perilous
journeys.
“I am also grateful to those people from our communities who report suspicious activity relating
to illegal migration and would urge the public to continue keeping us informed.”
The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime
Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information on
illegal entry into the TCI.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crimestoppers P3 app to share
information anonymously.
Turks and Caicos, May 15, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is proud to announce that officers from
the Tactical Unit, Response and Operations, and Serious Crime have recently completed an intensive, week-long Fast Rope Training Course aimed at enhancing their capabilities in rapid deployment and high-angle operations.
This rigorous, high-level training was conducted in Exuma, Bahamas, and facilitated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (Tactical Helicopter Section).
Participants received hands-on instruction and real-world practice in executing rapid helicopter insertions—an essential skill for missions in environments where aircraft cannot safely land.
Fast rope training is a specialized military and tactical technique that allows personnel to quickly descend from a hovering helicopter using a
thick rope—without the use of a harness. Commonly used by elite tactical units worldwide, this method is crucial in high-stakes, time-sensitive operations such as counter-narcotics, search and rescue, and critical incident responses.
The RT&CIPF congratulates the following officers on their successful completion of the course:
- Acting Inspector Latoya Rigby
- Constables Christopher O’Neil, Anton Ferguson, Kimberlee Markland, Tenesha Stewart, Demareo Outten, Alex Joseph, Rojay Graham, and Shan Livermore
We extend our sincere thanks to the U.S. DEA for their ongoing partnership and expert guidance, which greatly enhances our operational capabilities.
-
Caribbean News1 week agoCarnival Corporation’s AIDA Cruises Showcases Environmentally Sustainable Operations to Caribbean Disaster Management Agency
-
Bahamas News1 week agoBahamas and CARICOM Leaders Engage U.S. on Security, Economy, and Regional Stability
-
News1 week agoCourt Denies Attorney General’s Testimony in PDM Election Petition Case
-
Health1 week agoMidlands Ambulance Donation Enhances Emergency Services in Turks and Caicos
-
Caribbean News4 days agoCaribbean Tourism Maintains Strong Growth in 2024, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels
-
Bahamas News1 day agoScotia Wealth Management named Best International Private Bank at the Euromoney Private Bank Awards 2025
-
News1 week agoSouth Caicos Regatta Back On After Brief Cancellation Scare
-
Bahamas News1 week agoCIBC Caribbean Celebrates Joy of Giving with Cash Rewards