Turks and Caicos Border Force Shows Strength as Security and Revenue Measures Deliver Results

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2025 – The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services, under the leadership of Deputy Premier Jamell Robinson, is reporting significant strides in both national security enforcement and revenue generation—delivering a performance that exceeded expectations in a year marked by regional instability and growing border threats.

Speaking in the House of Assembly on May 21, Minister Robinson confirmed the ministry achieved 102% of its revised revenue target, collecting $238.1 million compared to the $233.5 million goal. At the same time, it operated with fiscal discipline, underspending its operational budget by nearly $1 million. This strong financial performance solidifies the Ministry’s role as the government’s top revenue-generating agency.

“Even while we have faced the greatest number of threats at our ports and borders, our teams remain resilient,” Robinson told the House. “They are making significant inroads, waging war on anything illegal that threatens the safety and livelihood of our people.”

One of the most persistent challenges remains illegal migration, particularly from neighboring Haiti. Over the past year, enforcement teams intercepted 27 migrant boats carrying 3,412 people—up from 2,882 individuals and 23 boats the previous year. Inland enforcement led to the removal of over 450 undocumented individuals between January and March 2025 alone.

The ministry also reported 385 seizures of prohibited and restricted goods, with associated penalties totaling nearly $385,000. New portable scanning technology has enhanced cargo inspections, identifying discrepancies and recovering an additional $9,000 in duties and $4,400 in fines. From general cargo and transit sheds to postal services, enforcement teams uncovered 66 incidents of undeclared goods in just one quarter, including drugs and firearms, yielding over $21,000 in revenue.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         A major compliance win came through targeted audits of five major importers, which resulted in the recovery of $1.3 million in unpaid customs duties and fees. This brought the total compliance recovery between May 2024 and February 2025 to $1.75 million. Revenue collected for undeclared goods also reached $146,592.76, with all payments fully received.

“The Border Force’s strengthened compliance measures ensure fair trade and prevent fraud,” said Robinson. “These efforts protect our economy from unfair competition and revenue losses.”

To build on these results, the Ministry is continuing with the phased rollout of its digital border management system. With $12 million already invested and an additional $5 million allocated this year, the program aims to digitize key services, improve efficiency, and modernize immigration operations.

In response to critical gaps in mobility, the Ministry has budgeted $400,000 to purchase new vehicles for enforcement teams, ending years of reliance on rental transportation. A further $170,000 is earmarked to establish a fully operational K-9 unit in Grand Turk, and to expand the existing unit in Providenciales. These trained dogs and their handlers are expected to enhance detection capabilities for drugs, firearms, and contraband.

An additional $500,000 is allocated for tools to improve fraud detection and field operations, including advanced scanning equipment and forensic technologies.

Deputy Premier Robinson praised the dedication of border personnel and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to properly resource its frontline defenders, calling the investments a vital safeguard for national security and economic integrity.