Authorities are urging the public to understand the serious consequences of bringing foreigners into Aruba illegally. When someone brings a person into the country without proper entry permission—especially through hidden beaches or other unofficial routes—and avoids immigration control, it is considered human smuggling, a crime that carries a prison sentence.
Even more serious is the crime of human trafficking. This occurs when someone brings a foreigner to Aruba without a legal residence or work permit and exploits them. This can include forcing them to work without pay, making them live in poor conditions, pressuring them to work against their will, or taking away their passport to control them. All of these actions fall under human trafficking, which is also a crime punishable by imprisonment.
These crimes are at the center of an active investigation.
On Monday morning, investigators raided a house in Jucuri, where they arrested three Aruban citizens on suspicion of human trafficking. They are accused of bringing foreigners to Aruba and making them work under exploitative conditions without pay.
Authorities have described this case as a form of modern-day slavery—one that may now cost the suspects their freedom.
