Dominican Republic halts 8,300 Haitian migrants at tense border

Dajabón, Dominican Republic.- The Border Security Corp (Cesfront), the Navy and the Army have arrested at least 8,300 Haitians trying to enter Dominican Republic illegally, between northwestern Dajabón and Montecristi provinces, just two days after tensions flared at the Pedernales-Anse a Pitre (soutwest) crossing.

Dominican Army 10th Infantry Battalion commander in Dajabon, Madé Guerrero, told local media that other immigrants were arrested as they trekked through the woods to Santiago, the main destination of Haitian illegal immigrants who cross the northern border.

He said 300 undocumented Haitians arrested Monday were handed over to the Immigration Agency when they tried to enter the country illegally and others who walked through wooded areas and back roads.

The officer said the 300 arrests bring the figure of undocumented Haitians detained during the last two weeks to more than 8,300.

Many of those arrested had traveled mid-December to Haiti for the yearend holidays, but now try to return together with relatives, neighbors and relatives, according to the military official.

Tension

The information comes just three days after tensions flared at the Pedernales-Anse a Pitre crossing, when the Navy halted several boats of Haitian fishermen accused of poaching.