Immigration officers are still investigating the recent escape and potential harbouring of two Cuban detainees – even though the illegal aliens were captured within 24 hours.

During an Immigration operation early Friday evening (4 January) the pair was found at a rental residence in West Bay.

Deputy Chief Immigration Officer (Enforcement) Gary Wong expressed thanks for the information that led to the recovery of the detainees, but encourages the public to share any other details surrounding the matter of which they may be aware.

On Thursday, 3 January 2013, the two men, Wilfredo Alarcon and Francisco Rodrigues, were found to be missing from the Immigration Detention Centre in George Town during the evening head-count.

While details of any person/s who illegally assisted them are still forthcoming, the department reminds the public that anyone convicted in such a matter would face a penalty of five years’ imprisonment and up to KYD 70,000 in fines.

Those two Cubans are from the group of 25 that had arrived in mid-2012. Another group of five migrants arrived on December 27, 2012, bringing the on-Island total to 30 – the largest for some years.

Anyone with further information on the escape or concealment of Messrs. Alarcon and Rodriguez should contact 526-0480, 526-7937, 526-0433 or 949-8344.