Official Government Statement:

The Ministry of National Security wishes to advise that the deportation of one hundred and sixty (160) Venezuelan nationals, who illegally entered Trinidad and Tobago, has today been carried out in conjunction with the Venezuelan authorities.

The exercise was carried out in compliance with the laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and in fulfillment of Government policy.

The Ministry of National Security remains resolute in upholding the laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in an effort to protect its Citizens.

The Ministry reminds that in 2019 the Government in an unprecedented humanitarian exercise, having concern for our Venezuelan neighbours, carried out a Venezuelan Migrant Registration Exercise for all Venezuelans present in Trinidad and Tobago.

The result of this exercise was that 16,523 Venezuelans were registered and permitted to be legally in our country.

It has come to the attention of the Minister of National Security, the Honourable Stuart R. Young, M.P., via a media report, that certain lawyers approached a High Court Judge, ex parte, and that the Judge made certain orders pertaining to some Venezuelans who are in Trinidad and Tobago illegally.

The state was not represented at this hearing and the Minister has spoken to the Attorney General, the Honourable Faris Al Rawi M.P., for this particular matter to be appropriately addressed.

While the Government acknowledges that there may be personal views surrounding the illegal entry into Trinidad and Tobago by persons, the Government, through the Ministry of National Security and other arms of the state, will continue to apply the laws and do all that it reasonably can to secure the borders and prevent illegal entry into Trinidad and Tobago.