News
Police Intercept Vessel with Illegal Migrants, Individuals Apprehended
Turks and Caicos, November 14, 2024 – Last night, November 13th, officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) Maritime Operations Unit detected a suspicious vessel within TCI waters several miles off Bird Rock, Long Bay, Providenciales.
Maritime officers were immediately dispatched to investigate.
Upon arrival at the coordinated location, officers observed a vessel in shallow waters close to shore, with several individuals seen jumping overboard. Additional land support was promptly deployed to assist in the ongoing operation.
The Marine team successfully apprehended NINE individuals from the vessel who appeared to be illegal migrants. The group included four males (including two minors) and five adult females (including one minor).
The vessel subsequently sank in the area; however, officers conducted thorough checks to ensure no casualties.
All individuals were safely transported to the Marine Base and handed to the Immigration Department for processing.
While at the scene, several persons were concealed in the bushes along a nearby trail. In a coordinated response, officers secured all access points from the beach to the main road, maintaining control of the area until daylight.
The TCI Regiment and Border Force joined our efforts, augmenting the response alongside other RT&CIPF units.
At approximately 6 a.m. today, while officers continued to secure the scene, a 48-year-old male resident of Five Cays was observed walking in the area. Upon questioning, he failed to provide a valid reason for his presence and was found in possession of tools and a substantial quantity of packaged food. The male has no legal status on the island and was handed over to Immigration authorities.
Acting Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant commended the swift and coordinated response of all units involved, including the Maritime Operations Unit, Drone Unit, TCI Regiment, Border Force, and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Mr. Grant emphasized the RT&CIPF’s unwavering commitment to securing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ borders and ensuring the safety of its residents.
We are asking anyone with information that may help in these investigations to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
Turks and Caicos, December 7, 2024 – “Homicide detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are actively investigating a homicide in Five Cays, Providenciales.
Initial reports indicate that shortly after 10 pm yesterday (December 06th), the Police Control Room received several calls stating that
gunshots were being heard in the area of Sandy Land.
RT&CIPF officers responded to the given location and found the lifeless body of a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about the body. The victim was later identified as NEIL RIGBY, 52, of Five Cays.
The RT&CIPF offers condolences to Mr. Rigby’s relatives and friends.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Statement from the Minister of Immigration
Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos, December 5, 2024 – The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands categorically states that we will not, under any circumstances, accept deportees from the United States or any other nation who are not citizens of Turks and Caicos. Our country’s immigration policies are clear and firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, the protection of our borders, and the welfare of our people.
Turks and Caicos, like all nations, has the sovereign right to determine who may reside within its borders. The unilateral imposition of third-country deportation policies, such as those reportedly under consideration by the incoming Trump administration, is fundamentally at odds
with international norms and legal standards.
We are deeply concerned about any suggestion of displacing individuals to countries with which they have no connection. Such policies disregard the cultural, social, and economic implications for receiving countries and the humanitarian impact on the individuals affected.
We remind all stakeholders that Turks and Caicos is already facing significant challenges managing irregular migration and the accompanying strain on our resources. We will not permit external policies to exacerbate these challenges, nor undermine or dictate our national security.
Our Government remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States and our other international partners. However, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands and upholding the integrity of our immigration system.
To be clear: The Turks and Caicos Islands will not participate in any program that seeks to forcibly relocate individuals here against their will, or ours.
Turks and Caicos, December 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is actively investigating incidents involving an attempted robbery and a reported armed robbery in Providenciales on November 30 and December 02, 2024.
Incident 1: Attempted Robbery at Service Station
Shortly after midnight on November 30, 2024, officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a Service Station on Leeward Highway. Based on preliminary reports, a lone male approached the premises from a black Honda Fit vehicle. The suspect, armed with a firearm,
struck an employee, causing a wound. The suspect fled in the car. At the same time, the employee was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he received treatment for his injuries.
Incident 2: Armed Robbery at Eatery
On November 30, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., the police received a report of an armed robbery at an eating establishment in Blue Hills. Two masked individuals, one armed with a firearm, entered the premises and robbed patrons. No injuries were reported, and the suspects fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
Incident 3: Robbery/Malicious Injuries to Property
On the evening of Monday, December 2, 2024, a male driver was proceeding along Walter Cox Drive when he stopped to drop off a passenger. While reversing, an unidentified male armed with a cinder block demanded the driver exit his vehicle. The driver complied and was robbed of personal belongings. The suspect proceeded to use the cinder block to shatter the rear passenger side window before fleeing the scene.
We urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward.
Individuals can contact the Serious Crime Unit at (649)-232-6696 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.
Additionally, persons are asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app and provide information.
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