New committee to tackle mass migration

To deal with the threat of mass illegal migration into the Cayman Islands, the Mass Migration Committee (MMC) has been set up to support coordination and oversight of such an event.

Ten Cuban nationals arrived in Little Cayman on 1 February, taking the total number of Cuban migrants in Cayman up to 26, and government says it continues to monitor potential migration developments from Cuba and across the wider region, highlighting the need for a more coordinated approach.

Government says it is working with national, regional, and international partners to maintain a measured, responsible approach to border management and national preparedness and that while cross-agency intelligence did not indicate an immediate threat of mass migration, government’s actions reflected prudent risk management and its long standing obligations to uphold public order, border integrity, and the safety and security of all three Cayman Islands.

The Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs Nickolas DaCosta said that the government’s approach to irregular migration was grounded in lawful control, humanitarian duty of care, and national security considerations.

“Existing facilities, legal frameworks, and operational protocols remain the primary tools for managing any arrivals, should they occur, and will continue to be applied in a structured and controlled manner,” he confirmed.

The MMC had been established within the Ministry of District Administration & Home Affairs to ensure government readiness across relevant agencies in the event of a significant migration incident. The Committee brought together critical national agencies to provide strategic direction and to ensure that any response remained proportionate, legally compliant, and aligned with national priorities.

In the event of migrant arrivals, the Customs & Border Control Service (CBC), supported by the MMC and partner agencies, will activate established protocols. These protocols prioritise identity verification, medical and health screening, and security assessments, consistent with Cayman Islands law and applicable international standards.

Government confirmed that existing facilities would continue to be used as a response tool in the interest of applying the duty of care and upholding public order obligations. Any activation would be short term, phased, and subject to strict operational controls, with utilisation determined solely by need and capacity at the relevant time, they said.

Following a recent escape by detainees, CBC Director Bruce Smith encouraged the public to “exercise increased vigilance, including securing homes, vehicles, and vessels, avoid leaving keys or valuables unattended, and promptly reporting any suspicious activity. While law enforcement continues to actively manage the situation, we all share responsibility for reducing obvious and preventable risks”.

The government warned that a person who knowingly assists, harbours, or facilitates the illegal landing or residence of another is an offence. Under section 105 of the Customs and Border Control Act (2024 Revision), anyone who unlawfully lands, remains or resides in the Islands commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of CI$20,000 and to imprisonment for five years.

In addition, anyone who assists or causes another to unlawfully land, remain or reside in the Islands commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of CI$50,000.00 and to imprisonment for seven years. Additional consequences may include forfeiture of assets and other enforcement measures. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious maritime or migration related activity to 911.