Defiant - sweeps for illegals 'stepping up'

The Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

As of Friday, December 22, 2017

By Sancheska Dorsett

HEAD of the Department of Immigration’s Enforcement Unit, Kirklyn Neely yesterday doubled down in defence of his department’s practices, expressing distaste over the outcome of recent court proceedings.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Neely said immigration officers have no intention on changing the way they apprehend illegal immigrants and will instead be “stepping up” efforts despite criticism from human rights groups.

“Why would we change the way we do things? Illegal is illegal,” Mr Neely said.

“These people come here by boat and are smuggled in this country. Our job is to protect our borders and to put Bahamians first. If we change the way we do things and become slack, we might as well forget about the December 31 deadline, close down our operations and let everyone in.

“People forget that just because you are born here that does not make you automatically Bahamian. You have to apply and if you don’t come here the right way you have to go. We have one country and we have to take care of it. So if anything we will be stepping up our efforts.”

On Tuesday, a Supreme Court judge granted bail to 11 persons who were detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre or immigration safe houses. They, along with the four detainees released last week, bring the total of people freed from the detention by the courts to 15.

Attorney Damian Gomez and president of Rights Bahamas, Fred Smith, who represented the individuals that includes three children, argued that the persons were unlawfully detained.

As it relates to the 11 detainees granted bail on Tuesday, Justice Gregory Hilton said those individuals would themselves sign to pay $1,000 should they not show up on their respective adjourned dates, and report to the Department of Immigration once a week every Wednesday until then.

The Department of Immigration intensified its apprehension efforts in November after a large empty sloop was discovered on the shoreline of Adelaide Beach.

One month later, a boat “loaded” with Haitian migrants landed near Clifton Pier, about three miles from Coral Harbour. Immigration officers and other authorities spent last week combing the area for the migrants. The RBDF said 57 people - 43 men, 11 women and three children - were taken into custody and transported to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

The illegal landing prompted Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis to call for “heads to roll,” saying an explanation is needed from authorities why two sloops were able to land so close to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s Coral Harbour Base.

The immigration sweeps angered Mr Smith, who has written to members of the government expressing displeasure about the “complete and intentional” breakdown of the rule of law regarding the actions of immigration officials and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF).

In October, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis gave illegal immigrants a December 31 deadline to leave the country voluntarily or face being “aggressively pursued and deported.” This week he reiterated the call, saying undocumented migrants must leave the country by the end of the year or apply for legal status.

stillwaters 6 years, 4 months ago

Thank goodness, finally, somebody with a pair, who is not afraid to do his job, unapologetically.......

OldFort2012 6 years, 4 months ago

“Why would we change the way we do things?"

Because you swore to uphold the Constitution, you moron. That is why. The Court tells you what the Constitution says and you obey without question, you ignorant ass.

jamaicaproud 6 years, 4 months ago

He will not stop until he mess with a real Bahamian and lock them up and he is, sued personally. Mark my words.

stillwaters 6 years, 4 months ago

Illegal is illegal. He is absolutely right in taking this stand.The courts will tell you that.

Dawes 6 years, 4 months ago

But what he is doing is illegal. The court has told him. If they want what they do to be legal then change the law. Until then follow the law.

joeblow 6 years, 4 months ago

If a Bahamian goes to Haiti illegally and is caught, won't the laws of their land apply?

jamaicaproud 6 years, 4 months ago

That is a reckless question, you know full well Haiti does not have the capacity to deal with such matters.

sheeprunner12 6 years, 4 months ago

See the Chris Adderley story of 2016 ......... Tit for Tat with those crooks.

stillwaters 6 years, 4 months ago

So yall want all detained illegals to go to court, get bail, and be back out in the community as fast as you can get them to court?

OldFort2012 6 years, 4 months ago

No, I want government officials paid by my taxes to follow the Constitution as interpreted by the Courts. Whose job it is. Not mine, not yours, not anybody else's. In a normal country no one gives a rat's arse about your or my opinion. The Courts decide. End of story. Let's build a civilized country as opposed to this...I will refrain from writing what I really think this is. If you don;t like the law, write to your MP and get it changed.

jamaicaproud 6 years, 4 months ago

Big up yourself. I want your immigration situation solved, but this guy needs to stop being a lone ranger.

John2 6 years, 4 months ago

The problem with all past administations is that they have been too soft on illiegal's I say utilized the armoured cars and riot gear and ammo the chinese gave the Bahamas and go into the shanty towns and clear them out.Stop giving those caught a luxury ride back home on Bahamas air, instead use sand Barges and take them back by the thousands in the comfort they are use to.Conduct courts on the ride home !

Economist 6 years, 4 months ago

I cannot believe you really mean that you want to encourage people to break the law.
This means that you agree with all the crime in The Bahamas.

sealice 6 years, 4 months ago

This is already worse then our Murder problem in the country yet you soft ars whimps just sit by and cry with the illegals - you don't want murder, you don't want theft, you don't want drugs.... but you want illegal immigrants??? How bout this.... everyone who wants them here can get on the next plane and go back to the homeland with them???

OldFort2012 6 years, 4 months ago

If the choice is between illegals and government officials breaking the Law and the Constitution, I will take the illegals. Lesser evil by far.

What is so hard about arresting them and taking them to Court? Who says Courts have to give them bail? Write new laws, have speedy trials and send them back.

But no, we always do things ass about face. It's almost as we were a society of autistic teenagers.

jamaicaproud 6 years, 4 months ago

Oldfort. There are 2 types, Those who came by boat, and those born to those who came by boat. Those who came by boat should be sent back forthwith. After medical checkup. However, those who have applied should be allowed to live in peace until their application is approved.

stillwaters 6 years, 4 months ago

They had any damn checkup before they got on the boat to come here???? Free checkups now????

jamaicaproud 6 years, 4 months ago

Has it occurred to you that if they are incarcerated and have communicable diseases it can be caught by the officers and spread. Plus the Bahamas like all civilized countries are signatories to how refugees should be treated. :)

stillwaters 6 years, 4 months ago

And when they can't pay bail, where are we going to find space in an already crowded jailhouse?

Emac 6 years, 4 months ago

I agree and let them stay in Old Fort Bay while they await their trials. You phuckers like to hide behind gated communities and dictate what the rest of society should do. Your ass probably have never been to a local clinic so this dilemma would never affect you. Stay your ass in your safe haven and stop giving ill advise. We don't need it!

Economist 6 years, 4 months ago

How do you know they are illegal? Are you the judge and jury.

stillwaters 6 years, 4 months ago

Don't be dense, if they came on boats, they are illegal.

Economist 6 years, 4 months ago

You are the dense one. If you believe that the department of immigration should break the law then you are part of the crime problem in this country.

A country is run by laws. If you support lawlessness then you can't complain about the murder rate.

TalRussell 6 years, 4 months ago

Comrades, how can persons fleeing from another nation's poverty be expected afford to pay bail money. We shouldn't be jailing illegals, or for that matter jailing our very own citizens who do not present a risk of doing harm to the population. Time for black administrators to end the colonial bail system as it currently is being applied in our court rooms on a daily basis ....... Why are lacks wearing red shirts, still jailing blacks over the lack resources pay bail monies. You take away an individuals freedom because the're broke and not that they present a risk to society?

stillwaters 6 years, 4 months ago

No more room in the inn anyway, up in Fox Hill

Chucky 6 years, 4 months ago

i understand the constitutional argument, though it's hard to expect the government will ever follow the constitution when they are too busy filling their own pockets with all their corrupt practices.
Seems we'd be fools. to think that our governing thieves (both parties since the beginning of time) , who at minimum / at best; refuse pursue the crimes of past legislators, and more commonly are thieves themselves, will ever contemplate anything constitutional. These people are part of a club, a club of criminals, and all the rest of us are still slaves, but rather than chains, we are kept bound through a system of deliberately poor education, low wages, high taxes, debt, and only enough medical care to keep at a standard of being able to work.
Its simple, the rich control everything, they use the corrupt system to fill their pockets, we slaves do all the work, they get richer and richer, we stay poor. Sure life is better without our chains on our ankles, but it's better for the rich too. You see we still do all their work, but now that we're free, we have to work even harder, as they no longer provide us with food or a place to sleep. Don't believe me, look at your life, see how you live, see your future, see your kids future, open your eyes people.

stillwaters 6 years, 4 months ago

Well, we're not the only ones, Canada and Mexico are both dealing with their own Haitian migration crises. Canada reports that it's overwhelmed, and it's 'testing' their policies.

proudloudandfnm 6 years, 4 months ago

Dumb. Illegally detain people only for the courts to let them go again..

stillwaters 6 years, 4 months ago

http://tribune242.com/users/photos/20...">

http://thetribune.media.clients.ellin..." alt="Illegally entering Canada, being warned that they will be arrested once they cross, but crossing anyway.">

http://thetribune.media.clients.ellin...">Illegally entering Canada, being warned that they will be arrested once they cross, but crossing anyway. by stillwaters

stillwaters 6 years, 4 months ago

http://tribune242.com/users/photos/20...">

http://thetribune.media.clients.ellin..." alt="Lining up in Mexico to cross over into USA, but Mexicans warning them that they will be arrested there. ">

http://thetribune.media.clients.ellin...">Lining up in Mexico to cross over into USA, but Mexicans warning them that they will be arrested there. by stillwaters

SP 6 years, 4 months ago

No new laws or Constituional amendments are required to deal with this delimma.

The total horse manure spewed from people attempting to hide behind and cherry picking the Constitution to protect illegal Haitian migrants is appalling and an absolute insult to our intelligence!

These smartass fools have played right into the palm of governments' hands, succeeding in making matters worse for illegals in the country, especially Haitians.

The Bahamas is unquestionably under invasion by Haitians. Government will now use its' impetus to play the ace card, by having the Governor-General file a proclamation of emergency, giving the government extraordinary authority to take whatever immediate actions deemed necessary in the interest of national security "UNDER CHAPTER 3 ARTICLE 29 OF THE CONSTITUTION "!

We must rid our country of this Haitian invasion forcefully and expeditiously once an for all, and ENFORCE stiff penalties for people caught hiring, aiding and abetting illegals regardless of origin.

sheeprunner12 6 years, 4 months ago

We keep hearing about Loftus Roker ......... but did his detain & deport tactics really work????

Why are we facing so many thousands of "children of illegals" who are now turning 18 seeking citizenship???? ........ Would that not mean that their illegal parents came here during the first 20 years after Independence???? ....... When Loftus Roker was the Immigration Minister?????

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 4 months ago

In fairness to Mr Roker there was loud opposition to his policy, Darren Cash led the March from COB if I remember correctly. I don't believe Mr Roker was allowed to do what he said needed to be done. The govt wanted to pacify the COB students

jackbnimble 6 years, 3 months ago

I think the problem with the children situation started when we relaxed the requirements and started letting them in schools free. To my knowledge, back in Roker's day, that didn't happen.

Now citizenship is for sale. Governments frustrate the process, then wait until election time to start handing them out like cookies in exchange for votes. Now you gat a bunch of ungratefuls who interpret "right to apply" as 'automatic right reside and right to citizenship.

The problem was never Roker, it's the corrupt system that continues to reward the illegals and their children with permits and citizenship.

stillwaters 6 years, 4 months ago

We won't see the severity of this problem until Haitians outbreed and outnumber us, and then it will be them deciding whether Bahamians can stay here.

Emac 6 years, 4 months ago

Phuck apologists like Economists and the rest of you morons who keep bringing up the Constitution. Why is it that we only hear about the Constitution when it comes to illegal Haitians. Either we abide by the Constitution whole heartily or stop using it as an excuse to aid illegals. Bahamians are tired and sick of this shit. We don't give a shit about Haitians and their plight, when we have our own problems to deal with! This Pro Haitian Economist, who I suspect is Louby Georges, by the way, always tries to come to the defense of illegals in our country. You never hear from him or the others when these sloops sneak into our borders. The world is changing and everywhere in the world people are tired of Haitians. It is time to throw diplomacy out the door and deal with this thing in a way to get real results! Bahamians are tired of being placed on the back burner. So kudos to Mr. Neely. Lock they ass up and deport them as fast as you can!

Oh and Jamaica Proud go suck ya madda. Deal with your own country affairs before you meddle in others. Your country have nothing to celebrate in regards to human rights!

sheeprunner12 6 years, 4 months ago

That is what you call Christmas cheer 101 ........... BOL .....#BahamiansFirst

jamaicaproud 6 years, 4 months ago

wow emac, getting personal. LOL What has the poor Haitians done you so much you have no Christmas Cheer. Suck my madda? I won't follow your nasty lead. I guarantee you would not say that to my face if you saw me, even on the courthouse steps in Nassau.

You are sick and you need mental help... fast. If you were to even know the history of your own country, you would know this problem has been happening pre 1950's and will not end by declarations and deadlines, and definitely not by your senseless rantings and hatred.

You do not know anything about Jamaica to even talk. When the lawlessness is turned against you and yours, then you will see why every proper country follows the constitution.

Furthermore you do not know my connections to the Bahamas so chill.

Emac 6 years, 4 months ago

LMAO...

Emac 6 years, 4 months ago

You are always good for a barrel of laugh? I do not know anything about Jamaica??? So Jamaica is some mysterious island hidden from the world where no one is privy to any information coming out of that island ay? I have many Jamaican friends, I have been to Jamaica on many occasions. I can safely say that you are a typical Jamaican who beat his/her gum up about how great Jamaica is yet you are always seen in another man's land. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being proud of one's culture. But going around the place exalting your country above others is what makes you people come off to be so damn arrogant. But I don't expect for you to see this fault. The majority of you Jamaicans are blind to this fact. What connections do you have to the Bahamas????? "I don't live in 242, never have, never would want to. Have had the opportunity to visit, I declined. By God's grace, my life has been great ever since I was born in lovely Jamaica." Your words, not mine. You keep defending your lovely country and I will keep defending mine. I love the Bahamas and her people. We will continue to be a blessed country despite all of those around us who wish to see us fail! GOD BLESS BAHAMAS!

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 4 months ago

I think it's fine to bring up the constitution. It says at 18 "they can apply". To me that's a clear, go home, when you 18 send in your application, from YOUR homeland . At 1, 3, 7, 11,12, 15, ,19,22,30,35....the right is not there, you're in the country "illegally" and subject to deportation if caught

Emac 6 years, 4 months ago

There you go!

Economist 6 years, 4 months ago

Subject to deportation if you are in the country illegally.

Subject by the law. The law requires evidence and adjudication like any other criminal case. The court declares who is or is not guilty of an offence. That is the Law of The Bahamas.

Economist 6 years, 4 months ago

Unlike you I am a law abiding citizen. You play are a major part the reason there is so much crime in this country. You are just a lawless person.

I have seen immigration take in a very Bahamian citizen (both his parents are Bahamian). When immigration eventually found out who he was they treated him like a hot potato....idiots.

But, then again you like and support those kind of things don't you. Hope they make the same mistake with your family members.
Can't wait to see how you would carry on then.

Emac 6 years, 4 months ago

Do your research. Been there, done that! Had a major raid during an event years ago when I had a "Haitian" Band performing for a fund raising event. Law enforcement officials entered the event in a raucous manner and were in breach of the law, they abused patrons and all that fun stuff. It was a raid to round up illegals. This was certainly wrong. I took up the issue with the relevant authorities and I stood up against that type of gestapo behavior by our law enforcement agencies. Anyway, I said all of that to state that I am aware that there are some officers that should NOT be on the immigration team. However, most are professional and it does not take away from the fact that if you are illegal then you should be detained and deported immediately. If you are in this country legally,then you should have some form of identification as in any other country, full stop. So don't even pretend to think you know me or believe for a moment that I do not support the law being followed properly!

Emac 6 years, 4 months ago

@Jamaicaproud-You are always good for a barrel of laugh? I do not know anything about Jamaica??? So Jamaica is some mysterious island hidden from the world where no one is privy to any information coming out of that island ay? I have many Jamaican friends, I have been to Jamaica on many occasions. I can safely say that you are a typical Jamaican who beat his/her gum up about how great Jamaica is yet you are always seen in another man's land. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being proud of one's culture. But going around the place exalting your country above others is what makes you people come off to be so damn arrogant. But I don't expect for you to see this fault. The majority of you Jamaicans are blind to this fact. What connections do you have to the Bahamas????? "I don't live in 242, never have, never would want to. Have had the opportunity to visit, I declined. By God's grace, my life has been great ever since I was born in lovely Jamaica." Your words, not mine. You keep defending your lovely country and I will keep defending mine. I love the Bahamas and her people. We will continue to be a blessed country despite all of those around us who wish to see us fail! GOD BLESS BAHAMAS

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