(Eleuthera, Bahamas) – The Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Department of Immigration in Eleuthera conducted an operation during the early hours of Wednesday, August 19th, 2015 called, “Summer Break” during which a total of 13 suspected illegal immigrants, including 10 adult males, 2 adult females, and 1 female child (with her mother) were initially detained.
Chief Immigration Officer for the Eleuthera District, Shema Darling, confirmed that officials went into Palmetto Point, Cupid’s Cay and Gregory Town, all areas where complaints had been received, and a number of homes were visited.
In the course of processing the suspected illegal immigrants, 3 people were released. Subsequently, 10 people were transported to the detention center in New Providence, shortly after 2pm on Wednesday afternoon from the Governor’s Harbour airport.
Immigration officials also confirmed receiving reports during the week of August 10th-14th of people working in Cotton Bay who had been purported as tourists coming in, but were caught working at a private home in Cotton Bay. Four Americans were detained and prosecuted locally. One of the people was reportedly found to have had a fraudulent work permit.
During operation “Summer Break”, Police also reported 28 people for various traffic infractions, ranging from exceeding the speed limit to driving unlicensed vehicles.
Suspected illegal immigrants being escorted by Immigration officers on to Pineapple Air for transfer to New Providence on Wednesday afternoon, August 19th, 2015.
