Repatriations Exceed 1,100 for 2023

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – More than 1,100 people have repatriated for the year, according to Immigration Minister Keith Bell. 

Speaking to Parliament Wednesday, Bell says 584 illegal migrants were repatriated since February 20, 2023. 

Bell predicts 2023 repatriation numbers will exceed 2022 numbers. 

In fact, for the month of January alone, Bell says there was 570 repatriations at a cost of $326,000.

These latest numbers come after the Immigration Department launched Operation Restore on Abaco, which placed 82 people before the courts. He adds that 82 of the 83 individuals were charged. 

Arrests have also been made in Bimini, Eleuthera, and Grand Bahama in recent weeks. 

Bell says 202 people from various countries are detained at the Detention Centre.