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Police Commissioner Gary Griffith believes T&T is at risk for a resurgence in COVID-19 cases due to the continued issue of illegal immigration.

He said harsher penalties and increased restrictions must be enacted to serve as a real deterrent to those entering the country illegally.

Griffith said the current $1,000 fine or three months imprisonment if in default are a get out of jail free pass.

He warned that urgent steps must be taken to stem the spread of the virus and allow the country to return to some semblance of normalcy.

If these numbers continue to increase, because it is perceived by people on the mainland that it is easy to enter the country and pay a thousand dollars we will be in serious trouble.

It will be difficult to contain the virus unless further restrictions are put in place and a vast majority of our citizens will be affected. This will prolong the time that it will take to revert to some degree of normalcy in the future.

The Police Commissioner noted that 26 people were arrested on Los Iros Beach by officers of the South Western Division last Saturday, and charged with failing to report to an immigration officer for examination on entry in Trinidad and Tobago.

The three drivers a Trinidadian, Nigerian and Venezuelan, pled not guilty and were granted bail. Orders of Supervision - not detention orders by the Immigration Division will be issued to the 23 illegal immigrants upon completion of their 14-day quarantine.

He said a recent court ruling ensures that these individuals will be free to stay in the country once their fine is paid.

Griffith said: although the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has enforced the law by conducting operations based on intelligence gathering and due diligence, as a result of the actions of the judiciary, it seems that the perpetrators are being allowed "a get out of jail free pass".

Immigrants can come here illegally, hope that they dont get caught, and if they do, beat the system by walking with $1,000 cash, and they will be allowed to stay in the country. This is another glaring indication of the gap between law enforcement and the criminal justice system, he continued.

Griffith said the courts decision sends the message that there is virtually no deterrent and no consequences of entering the country illegally.

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CoP worried: Illegal immigration could cause surge in COVID-19 cases - Loop News Trinidad and Tobago