The House of Assembly passed the Border Force Bill on 26th September 2024, significantly strengthening the Turks and Caicos Islands’ border security measures. The bill establishes the legal framework for the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Border Force, sending a clear message that we are prepared to take decisive action to protect our borders and nation’s sovereignty.
Border Force, under the strategic leadership of the Director General, combines the work and resources of the Customs Department and Immigration Department to create a unified border control agency. With an operating budget of over $19 million with over $13 million in capital and a workforce of approximately 180 dedicated personnel, Border Force bolsters TCI’s response to immigration and customs threats.
The department has three key operational divisions, each led by a director: ports operations, inland operations, and services. Divisions are staffed by officers with specialised skills, ensuring we have the right people at the right place.
The Border Force mission is clear: to secure our nation’s borders, control migration, and protect our national interests while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. Border Force will be more powerful than its predecessors, enabling it to deliver on tougher priorities such as reducing the size of the unlawful population, enhancing border security, and modernising and professionalising border operations. To do this Border Force will be equipped with enhanced capabilities, including:
Frontline officers will be granted cross-conferred powers, building on their existing police-like authority.
The latest in border security technology will be deployed to improve screening capabilities and detect potential threats.
Intelligence gathering and analysis will guide resource allocation, enabling Border Force to target high-risk individuals and activities.
Border Force officers will receive ongoing training to ensure they are equipped to handle evolving security challenges and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
This integration of customs and immigration functions has already begun at key points of entry in Providenciales and North Caicos. Cross-training of officers in Grand Turk and South Caicos is underway to prepare them to provide a unified service. This initial phase represents a significant step forward, and Border Force is committed to extending the integration process across all areas by October 2024.
Honourable Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services, states, “The passing of the Border Force Bill sends a clear message to those who dare to breach our borders: we will not tolerate your illegal activities. Border Force, as a unified authority, is our new gatekeeper. The public will notice the immediate impact of this reform. They will see improved accountability and border security measures. Let the increased presence of our Border Force officers in a single uniform serve as a visible reminder of the government’s commitment to security”.
