More than 200 migrants were detained in separate sea operations by the Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and Bahamian Defence Force.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) Assistant Commissioner of Police for Specialist Tactical Operations Mat Newton said the United States Air Asset detected a vessel ferrying migrants on April 5.
Law enforcement responded and found a vessel with 20 men, 10 women and six puppies, one of which was deceased.
“The speedboat and engines, which we now know were stolen from its owners in Providenciales, were intercepted by the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources with the assistance of the TCI Regiment. The RTCIPF Marine Branch also responded and assisted with towing the vessel to shore, where the occupants were handed over to Immigration for processing,” Newton stated.
“The illegal transportation of both people and animals underlines the need for comprehensive approaches to address smuggling and trafficking across borders. Swift action and stringent enforcement measures are essential to deter such activities and ensure the safety and integrity of our borders.”
On April 6, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Coast Guard intercepted an illegal vessel 24 nautical miles east of North East Point, Inagua with 218 men and 39 women onboard.
RBDF transported the migrants to Matthew Town, Inagua, for processing by immigration authorities.
Commodore Raymond King said the RBDF will continue its blockade of the southern Bahamian islands to deter illegal immigrants from making the dangerous ocean voyage from countries such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
Bahamian and Turks and Caicos law enforcement are asking people with information on illegal migration and human trafficking to contact them.
