Over 1,000 irregular Haitian migrants detained in 7-hour operation

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) announced that more than 1,000 irregular migrants were detained in various parts of the Dominican Republic between 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon this Friday. The detained individuals are currently undergoing verification to determine if they are in the process of regularizing their status in the country. These operations are part of a new government plan to deport 10,000 Haitians weekly, which began on Thursday in Greater Santo Domingo, following a decision by the National Defense and Security Council, led by President Luis Abinader.

Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Director General of Migration, emphasized that these actions are carried out with strict adherence to human rights, using proportional force and careful protocols. The operations involve multiple government agencies, including the Armed Forces, National Police, and Public Prosecutor’s Office, with adjustments made to strategy, logistics, and detention protocols to enhance their effectiveness.

The current operations, conducted in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and La Altagracia, follow the guidelines of General Migration Law 285-04 and Decree 631-11. Migrants without ongoing immigration processes will be deported to their home country once the screening is completed.