SUCCESSFUL INTERCEPTION - ILLEGAL MIGRANTS
The Ministry of Immigration and Immigration Department is pleased to report the interception of an illegal migrant vessel on Friday, 25 June 2021, within the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands and within the vicinity south of west habour bluff , Providenciales.
The vessel, with forty-four (44) persons aboard, comprising thirty-six (36) males and eight (8) females, was detected by the Border Force Unit and the information was passed to the Marine Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, who intercepted the vessel. The vessel was subsequently brought into the South Dock, Providenciales and met by personnel from the Immigration Department and were subsequently taken to the Detention Center for further health checks and to conduct the necessary processing.
On Saturday, 26th June 2021, forty-two (42) of these persons were repatriated to Haiti with two (2) held back to assist the Enforcement Unit of the Immigration Department with further investigations.
Hon Arlington Musgrove in commenting stated, “I wish to thank all officials who assisted in another successful apprehension of an illegal vessel and to remind all that joint enforcement activities has increased and illegal migrant trying to enter Turks and Caicos will be caught.”
The public is remained that a person who is found to be in contravention of the Immigration Ordinance and commits an offence of harbouring is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $20,000.00 or to imprisonment for a term of four years, or to both.
The public is also being urged to provide the Police or Immigration Officials with tips, or any information related to this or any other illegal landing or persons residing and or working illegally.
We encourage the public to submit information or tips anonymously in English, French or Spanish either to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA on 1-800-84477.