Grand Cayman, 11 February 2026 — Following the recent arrival of ten (10) Cuban
nationals in Little Cayman on 1 February, the Government of the Cayman Islands
confirms that there are currently twenty-six (26) Cuban migrants on island. The
Government continues to monitor potential migration developments from Cuba and
across the wider region and is working with national, regional, and international partners
to maintain a measured, responsible approach to border management and national
preparedness.

Whilst cross-agency intelligence does not indicate an immediate threat of mass
migration, the Government’s actions reflect prudent risk management and its long-
standing obligations to uphold public order, border integrity, and the safety and security of
all three Cayman Islands.

Controlled Response Framework

Hon. Nicholas DaCosta, Minister for District Administration and Home Affair confirmed “The
Government’s approach to irregular migration is 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.”
To support coordination and oversight, a multi-agency Mass Migration Committee (MMC)
has been established to ensure Government readiness across relevant agencies in the
event of a significant migration incident. The Committee brings together critical national
agencies to provide strategic direction and to ensure that any response remains
proportionate, legally compliant, and aligned with national priorities.

Preparedness Measures

In the event of migrant arrivals, CBC, supported by the MMC and partner agencies, will
implement established arrival protocols. These protocols prioritise identity verification,
medical and health screening, and security assessments, consistent with Cayman
Islands law and applicable international standards.

As part of internal contingency planning, eight (8) acres of Government-owned land
located on Fairbanks Road have been identified for emergency use and has been
cleared and levelled to allow the deployment of temporary “better-shelter” units at short
notice, if required.

Any activation would be short term, phased, and subject to strict operational controls,
with utilisation determined solely by operational need and capacity at the relevant time.
No permanent facilities are being established, and no sites have been activated to date.
Long-term preparedness is centered on the development of a purpose-built CBC
Detention and Processing Centre (IDC) at the Fairbanks site, designed to meet
international standards and provide resilient, fit-for-purpose facilities to manage future
migration pressures in a structured and dignified manner. A request for supplementary
funding has been submitted to Cabinet to enable preliminary construction activities,
alongside improvements to interim shelter solutions.

As a precautionary measure, in response to recent escape of two detainees and any
future incidences, CBC Director Bruce D. Smith encourages the public to “exercise
increased vigilance, particularly in the vicinity of Fairbanks and surrounding areas. This
includes 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 recognises the importance of public confidence in matters of border
security and remains committed to measured, factual communication. Updates will be
provided through official Government channels as appropriate.

Public Urged to Comply with the Law
The public is reminded 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):
 Unlawful landing, remaining or assisting another to land may result in fines of up to
CI$20,000 and imprisonment of up to five (5) years.
 One who assists or causes another to remain or reside unlawfully commits an
offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of CI$50,000.00 and to
imprisonment for seven (7) years.
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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 the CBC Intelligence Hotline at 1-800-534-2546, the Cayman Islands
Coast Guard Operations at 345-649-6722, 911, or their nearest police station.

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To stay connected with the Ministry of District Administration & Home Affairs, follow us on
social media (@mdahacayman) or visit our website at https://gov.ky/mdaha/.

About the Ministry of District Administration & Home Affairs (MDAHA):
Under the leadership of the Honourable Nickolas DaCosta, JP, MP, the enduring vision of the
MDAHA is to build a safer community for our residents and visitors alike. To accomplish this
vision, our mission is to empower our community through innovative, evidence-based, and
intelligence-driven solutions in public safety.

The MDAHA is responsible for furthering the resiliency of the Cayman Islands, through
continued strategic and operational advancement in the areas of district administration, national
security, emergency response services, public safety, offender management services, border
control, and postal services.

About the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC):
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC) is responsible for the protection of our
borders, the management of travel, the collection of import duties, package tax, and warehouse
fees under the Customs and Border Control Law and Regulations.

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