Boat Interception Nets 51 as Early-Morning Raids Capture 14 in Blue Hills and Wheeland

A coordinated maritime interception and a series of early-morning enforcement raids carried out on Thursday, January 8, have resulted in the detention of sixty-five people, as authorities intensified efforts to curb unlawful migration into the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A file photo a laden Haitian Boat being intercepted by local authorities

Marine units from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment intercepted a vessel at sea earlier that day carrying fifty-one individuals. The group comprised forty-one males, including one minor, and ten females. Following the interception, the individuals were transported to South Dock, where officers from the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force took custody and initiated processing in accordance with national immigration laws.

Later that same morning, at approximately 5:00 a.m., officers from the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force conducted coordinated compliance and enforcement operations across the constituencies of Blue Hills and Wheeland. The joint land-based operation, executed alongside the RTCIPF, resulted in the apprehension of fourteen individuals, three females and eleven males, all confirmed to be Haitian nationals.

Authorities reported that all sixty-five individuals apprehended during the maritime interception and land raids are currently undergoing interviews and verification checks. Detention arrangements have been secured, and repatriation processes are underway in strict accordance with the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Director General of the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, Emilio Seymour, was present in the field during the January 8 operations. He received briefings from officers on the ground and provided strategic direction as the multi-agency actions unfolded.

Emilio Seymour, Director General of the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force remains resolute in its mission,” Seymour stated. “Our presence is deliberate, our partnerships are strong, and our resolve is absolute. We will continue to pursue those who enter this country unlawfully and ensure that our borders are protected in the interest of national security.”

Border Force officials noted that Thursday’s actions reflect a sustained national strategy that integrates maritime surveillance with targeted community enforcement. The agency emphasized that close collaboration with the RTCIPF and the TCI Regiment remains critical to disrupting illegal entry routes and identifying individuals who facilitate unlawful migration.

The Border Force issued a stern reminder to the public that harbouring, transporting, or employing persons who are unlawfully present in the Turks and Caicos Islands constitutes a criminal offence and will be met with prosecution under local law.

Residents are encouraged to assist national security efforts by reporting suspicious activity or information related to illegal migration and other illicit conduct. Reports may be made confidentially and anonymously via Emergency Services at 911, by calling the Border Force at 232-6616, emailing TCIINTEL@gov.tc, or through the Border Force website.

Authorities reaffirmed that operations such as those conducted on Thursday, January 8, will continue as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding national borders, upholding the rule of law, and protecting the safety, security, and prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands.