Thirty-two immigrants – 24 men and eight women – were apprehended yesterday, Department of Immigration officials have confirmed.

Immigration officers and Defence Force marines carried out an apprehension exercise in North and South Palmetto Point, Eleuthera.

Preliminary reports indicate that the illegal migrants either overstayed their visas or landed illegally in The Bahamas.

The officers, along with the illegal migrants, were expected to return to New Providence yesterday.