Detention order issued for Rajaee Ali; says he’s been communicating with gang from within Teteron

Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander has signed a detention order for high-profile detainee Rajaee Ali, who has been under guard at the military Teteron Barracks since the start of the State of Emergency.

The detention order states that Ali has been able to communicate and engage in gang activity despite his incarceration in the Maximum Security Prison and at Teteron, Staubles Bay, and that he is an immediate threat to public safety.

The order, issued on August 18 and gazetted today, states: “His further detention is necessary as he has shown that he has the means and resources to continue to engage in gang activity despite his present incarceration and is a threat to the safety of the public.”

It added: “There is a real risk and clear and present danger to members of the public and to public officials, including members of the protective services, that can become a reality unless he is preventively detained.”

It continued: “A Preventive Detention Order pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025, is needed as information indicates that he has acted, and intends to act, in a manner prejudicial to public safety.”

A detention order during a state of emergency, in a jurisdiction like Trinidad and Tobago, allows for the preventive detention of a person without immediate charge, usually for periods longer than typical arrest limits, to safeguard public safety or national defence.

The order noted that Ali, also called “Raj,” “Jaee,” “J,” “Sicilian,” and “The Dog,” has been credibly identified as the leader of a gang—within the legal definition of the Anti-Gang Act, 2021—known as the Radical Islamic Criminal Gang.

“He has conspired with the GR8 Gang Alliance to imminently carry out targeted killings of law enforcement officers and other public officials in public spaces using high-powered rifles, and to traffic prohibited articles within the Maximum Security Prison,” the order stated.

A detention order was also issued for Ali’s brother, Hamid Ashrap Ali, who has also been identified as a member of the Radical Islamic Criminal Gang.

“He and others have conspired with the GR8 Gang Alliance to imminently carry out targeted killings of law enforcement officers and other public officials in public spaces, and to traffic prohibited articles within the Maximum Security Prison,” it stated.

It continued: “He has been able to communicate and engage in gang activity despite his incarceration in the Maximum Security Prison and at Teteron, Staubles Bay, and is an immediate threat to public safety. His further detention is necessary, as he has shown that he has the means and resources to continue to engage in gang activity despite his present incarceration and is a threat to the safety of the public.”

The order said there is a real risk and clear and present danger to members of the public and to public officials, including members of the protective services, that can become a reality unless he is preventively detained.

A detention order was also issued for a third detainee based at Teteron Barracks, Earl Richards.

“He has been able to communicate and engage in gang activity despite his incarceration in the Maximum Security Prison and at Teteron, Staubles Bay, demonstrating that he is an immediate threat to public safety. His further detention is necessary, as he has shown that he has the means and resources to continue to engage in gang activity despite his present incarceration and is a threat to the safety of the public,” the order said.