BORDER FORCE-LED OPERATION IN SOUTH CAICOS RESULTS IN ARREST  

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 11th October 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force led a successful operation in South Caicos on 9th and 10th October 2024, targeting illegal work activity. The operation resulted in the apprehension of seven individuals, including two females and five males.

Four of the apprehended individuals are currently detained by Border Force for illegally working in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They are being processed and face potential legal consequences. The remaining three individuals are in the custody of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) following the discovery of cannabis during the operation prompted by indications from the Border Force canine unit. One of these individuals will also face charges for overstaying in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This operation highlights Border Force’s strategy to combat immigration and customs offences throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. The inland operations, including workplace enforcement, aim to address the root causes of illegal immigration by tackling illegal working. Border Force is committed to not only apprehending and deporting illegal immigrants but also prosecuting both undocumented workers and employers who facilitate illegal employment.

Emilio Seymour, Director General of Border Force stated “Our recent operation in South Caicos demonstrates our commitment to fulfilling our obligations to the Turks and Caicos Islands. We will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration and customs laws through inland operations throughout TCI. I am incredibly grateful to our officers for their dedication and hard work, as well as the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for their invaluable assistance.”

Border Force is issuing a stern warning to businesses and individuals alike: Employing undocumented workers is an offence. Those found guilty face significant penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to two years. Additionally, undocumented workers themselves are subject to deportation upon conviction. Individuals who harbour illegal immigrants or facilitate their entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands face even stricter penalties, including fines of up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to illegal immigration to the following channels: TCIintel@gov.tc, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s tipline at 866-347-2423, or online at https://www.ice.gov/tipline.