A fight erupted this morning (Tuesday June 2nd) between two Haitian nationals at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.
During the scuffle, some of the detainees escaped the dormitories and destroyed several fences and other minor infrastructure. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force says the situation was contained, the detainees were separated and some of them are expected to be charged with destruction of government property. The offenders will be moved to the Department of Correctional Services.
According to a statement from the RBDF, two hours before the fight, Haitian migrants detained at the facility went on a hunger strike and demonstrated “belligerent behavior” while advocating to be returned to their country.
“The Haitian detainees include 67 males, and 18 females which represent 56% of the Detention Centre population, some of whom were at the facility since February 2020,” according to the statement.
The Defence Force is responsible for maintaining security at the Carmichael Road Detention Center. The Immigration Department maintains the daily operation and administration of the area.