Dominican Republic detains over 9,000 illegal immigrants in six days

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has detained over 9,000 undocumented foreigners, mainly Haitians, between October 1 and 6 as part of a new policy to repatriate up to 10,000 immigrants weekly, according to the General Directorate of Migration (DGM). This decision followed an order from the National Defense and Security Council, led by President Luis Abinader, aiming to address perceived overpopulation by migrants.

The Director General of Migration, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, stated that all detained individuals are undergoing verification of their immigration status and will be deported if found undocumented. Authorities claim to conduct these operations with respect for human rights, using proportional force and ensuring the well-being of minors in coordination with the National Council for Boys, Girls, and Adolescents (Conani).

Haiti has condemned the Dominican Republic’s deportation policy as an affront to human dignity. Haitian Foreign Minister Dominique Dupuy criticized the measures, claiming they violate international human rights standards. Despite international concerns, the Dominican government maintains that the instability in Haiti is straining its own security, health, and education services. The DGM reported that 67,844 foreigners, mostly Haitians, were deported in the first half of 2024, while the International Organization for Migration noted that 86,000 Haitians have been forcibly returned to their country from neighboring nations so far this year.