PHILIPSBURG:--- Below is the full statement from the Minister of Justice, Natalie Tackling, regarding the immigration raid last week.

"I acknowledge the media interest and concerns expressed regarding the recent multi-agency operation conducted at a local adult nightclub. While I understand the emotions and questions such actions may raise, I would like to take this opportunity to offer a measured clarification of the government’s position.

The Government of Sint Maarten has a fundamental duty to uphold the rule of law, including enforcing immigration and labor legislation. These responsibilities are not optional—they are essential for maintaining public order, ensuring fair labor practices, and protecting vulnerable individuals within our society. Moreover, these enforcement efforts stem not only from our national legal obligations but also from our commitments under international treaties and agreements aimed at combating human trafficking and preventing exploitation.

Unannounced inspections, such as the one in question, are neither unprecedented nor arbitrary. On the contrary, they are an essential part of effective enforcement—particularly in sectors where there is a known risk of abuse or coercion. These actions are not undertaken lightly or intended to provoke or sensationalize. They are structured, legally grounded operations executed with professionalism and respect for the rights and dignity of all involved.

Transparency is a principle I deeply value, but it must be weighed against the importance of operational integrity. Publicizing enforcement actions in advance—or too hastily afterward—can undermine investigations or alert those seeking to evade the law. In this context, discretion is not silence, and silence should not be mistaken for indifference. It reflects a responsible and deliberate choice to protect both the integrity of the process and the people involved.

Let me reassure the public that all operations are carried out within the legal framework and with full attention to human rights and procedural safeguards. Our law enforcement officials are trained to act respectfully, even under challenging circumstances. We must not allow discomfort to deter lawful oversight or necessary intervention.

In fact, it may be helpful to emphasize that these types of controls—though sometimes viewed critically—are necessary tools to understand what is truly happening at certain establishments or, at the very least, to verify existing concerns. In the case of this particular control, it yielded valuable insights into border-crossing patterns, the tactics being used to enter the country, the realities of employment for certain individuals, and the extent to which some businesses are willing to disregard the rule of law."