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The Department of Immigration has closed investigations into rape allegations of a migrant who was detained at a department safe house and has found the claims baseless.

In a press statement, the department said it has “determined that there is no substance to the allegation.”

Why it matters

A local daily reported a sister of the woman claiming the migrant from Paramaribo, Suriname was sexually assaulted at the facility by a male immigration officer.

The sister who spoke to reporters while outside of the Bahamas admitted that much was unknown surrounding the alleged sexual attack on her sister.

The alleged rape victim who remains unidentified, served a three-year sentence for an immigration violation. But she was believed to have been transferred to the Detention Center after her sentence came to an end last August.

What the Department of Immigration says

The statement released by the immigration department said the matter was investigated by the newly appointed Assistant Director of Immigration with responsibility for Corruption, Complaints, and Intelligence and assisted by officers of the Sexual Offences Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

“…the female migrant, the subject of the alleged inappropriate conduct, has made no complaint of, and denies the occurrence of any inappropriate conduct.

“Further, the female insists on her immediate repatriation.

“The matter is closed.

“There shall be no further comment from the department.”

A Bahamian man in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Enforcement (ICE) died at the Adams County Detention Center in Natchez, Mississippi. Officials say the preliminary cause of death suggests he suffered from a heart attack.

What happened

• Fifty-one-year Anthony Jones, was pronounced dead at 9:59 a.m. (CST) by medical professionals responding to the Adams County Detention Center emergency room, where Jones had sought treatment that morning.
• On April 11, 2019, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Miami officers took Jones into custody at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, pursuant to his arrest for battery domestic violence.
• On Oct. 2, 2019, Jones was transferred to the Adams County Detention Center. On Dec. 17, Jones passed away from an apparent heart attack. At the time of his death, Jones was pending removal from the United States.
• Consistent with the agency’s protocols, the appropriate agencies have been notified about the death, including the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
• ICE has notified the Bahamian consulate and Jones’ next of kin.
• The agency’s comprehensive review will be conducted by ICE senior leadership, including Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA).

Anthony Jones’ Immigration History

• Jones illegally entered the United States at an unknown date and unknown location.
• On April 3, 2006, he was transferred into ICE custody from the Florida Department of Corrections and placed into immigration proceedings.
• On Nov. 8, 2006, an immigration judge (IJ) with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) ordered Jones removed from the United States to the Bahamas, however, prior to being able to carry out his removal, he was released on an order of supervision as ICE was unable to secure a valid travel document in order to effect his removal.
• Following Jones’ arrest for aggravated battery in Broward County, Florida, on Sept. 1, 2009, ICE lodged a detainer with the Broward County Jail. Jones entered ICE custody on Oct. 6, 2009 and was released Oct. 16, 2009 on an order of supervision pending issuance of travel documents.