• DOI Enforcement Division continues to crackdown on suspects in breach of the Immigration law
• Joint operations with the RCIPS, DLP and Customs deem successful.
• Operations conducted in the last two weeks resulted in seven arrests and 30 spot-checks on individuals.

GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – The Cayman Islands Department of Immigration’s (DOI) Enforcement Division continues operations to tackle illegal immigration and bolster compliance with the country’s immigration laws.

Through proactive patrols and joint operations with the Customs Department, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) and the Department of Labour and Pensions (DLP), DOI officers work to enhance public safety, border security and the integrity of the immigration system.

During recent joint operations conducted in the last two weeks, enforcement officers made seven arrests and carried out spot-checks on 30 individuals.

On 30 April 2018, an operation was carried out by the Enforcement Division in the vicinity of Seven Mile Beach on West Bay Road.

With information provided from the public, DOI officers were able to pursue a person of interest, which resulted in one arrest on suspicion of working without a permit, breach of bail and overstaying authorisation to remain on island.

On 2 May 2018, DOI Enforcement and Customs Officers engaged in a joint operation to effectively and safely conduct a search in the Prospect Area on Marina Drive.

Officers successfully carried out two spot-checks that resulted in apprehending a Jamaican National wanted for overstaying and working without a permit. The person of interest was also wanted by the RCIPS on suspicion of burglary.

On 10 May 2018, 28 spot-checks were conducted at two construction sites in the South Sound and Seven Mile Beach area. The joint operation was conducted with the DLP to detect infractions under the Labour Law, as well as the Immigration Law.

Of the 28 persons, three were arrested on suspicion of working outside of terms and conditions of a work permit, and one arrested for working without a permit while on a visitor’s extension. Employers of the establishments were also brought in for questioning for employing persons without valid authority.

“Pursuing individuals suspected of violating the Labour Law is a top priority for the Department,” DLP Head of Inspections Gene Hydes said. “We are committed to detecting unlawful acts, and will continue to dedicate resources and work proactively with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that the law is complied with on a daily basis.”

On 12 May 2018, Enforcement and RCIPS officers jointly orchestrated a search for a person wanted by the DOI for overstaying since October 2017. The RCIPS provided tactical and safety support during the operation, the subject was located in a high traffic area on Eastern Avenue in George Town.

The team successfully located and arrested the wanted individual, who remains in custody pending the investigation.

“I commend the relentless work of not only our Enforcement Division, but the collaborative efforts of DLP, Customs and the RCIPS, which in return make these joint operations a success,” Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Garry Wong said.

“We will constantly aim to maintain the on-going collaborative effect of combining agencies to effectively and efficiently enforce the laws of the land,” DOI Acting Inspector of Enforcement Operations Kurt Powell added. “The obvious success of these joint operations is our motivating factor to persistently apprehend suspects and keep the people of this country safe.”

Mr. Wong concluded: “We continue to encourage members of the public to be diligent in their awareness of illegal activity and to always report breaches of the law, and thank them for their support.”

Anyone with information about immigration-related offences is urged to contact the confidential information hotline at 1-800-Legalim (1-800-534-2546), or email [email protected].