Chief Immigration Officer, Mr. Ian Penn has said that 19 illegal immigrants are now in the custody of the Department of Immigration following an exercise by the officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and Immigration Department carried out on Virgin Gorda on January 16.

According to Mr. Penn, the illegal immigrants who were found on Virgin Gorda are of Haitian nationality and include 12 males, four females and four children.

The Chief Immigration Officer said all persons will be safely detained following intake interviews and COVID-19 testing administered by the BVI Health Service Authority.

Mr. Penn urged persons residing in the Territory to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities at sea. Additionally, anyone with information related to these immigrants should also contact the Immigration Department at 468-4717, 468-4715 or 468-4753 or the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force hotline at 311.

The Joint Task Force, which comprises officers from the Department of Immigration, Her Majesty’s Customs and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, will continue to increase their capabilities by ensuring that cohesive plans are executed in a manner that will ensure the safety of residents as the security of the Territory’s borders is paramount.