The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services and the Immigration Department confirms an illegal vessel landing on North West Point, Providenciales on the morning of March 2, 2022 and the interception of an illegal vessel, later that evening, on the waters of Providenciales.
On Wednesday 2nd of March at around 5:00am the Immigration Enforcement Unit was informed by 911 operators that a large number of illegal migrants were seen in the vicinity of North West Point; Immigration Enforcement Officers, supported by soldiers from the TCI Regiment and Officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force, assembled and proceeded to the area in search of the reported migrants. Subsequently, five (5) persons were apprehended and transported to the Immigration Detention Center for processing.
Later that evening at around 4:37pm, 911 informed the Immigration Enforcement Unit that an illegal vessel had been intercepted by RTCIPF Marine Branch in the waters of Providenciales. The vessel was brought into the South Dock Port, Providenciales, and was met by personnel from the Immigration Enforcement Unit, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Customs Department and Ministry of Health who were on scene to conduct the necessary processing.
The vessel carried a total of One Hundred and seventy (170) migrants. One hundred and forty-four (144) males and twenty-six (26) females, who were later escorted to the Detention Center for processing.
The Department of Immigration and the Police, along with the support of the TCI Regiment continue their enforcement activities.
The public is encouraged to report any unusual movement or information received of illegal persons immediately to 911.
The public is also reminded that it is an offense to harbor illegal persons and that persons found guilty of engaging in such activities are liable to a fine of US$20,000 or a term of imprisonment of seven (7) years, or both per Sections 105 and 106 of the Immigration Ordinance.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French, or Spanish on either www.Crimestoppers.tc or Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.
