27 Haitian migrants in irregular migration situation have been arrested after illegal landing on Ambergris Cay, a private island in the Caicos Islands

The operation involved the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Marine Branch and the TCI Regiment, who responded to a report of unauthorized entry to the island.

"A search led to the discovery of a small blue boat abandoned near Fish Cay and the arrest of 27 illegal migrants (22 men and 5 women)," Border Force officials said in a statement.

The migrants were initially transported to South Caicos before being transferred to Providenciales for registration and identification before repatriation.

Authorities have issued a stern reminder of the consequences of facilitating illegal entry. "“Harboring or facilitating the illegal entry of migrants is a serious criminal offense punishable by fines of up to US$20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years under the Immigration Ordinance."

Officials stressed that authorities "will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found to be in violation of these laws to the fullest extent possible."

S/ HaitiLibre