Dominican Republic to expand border wall with Haiti by an additional 12 kilometers

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic will extend its border wall with Haiti by 10 to 12 kilometers, bringing the total length to approximately 176 kilometers. President Luis Abinader announced the decision in response to requests from ranchers in Dajabón, where the wall has reportedly reduced livestock and vehicle theft by 80%. The project will be put out to tender, with funding allocated across 2025 and 2026.

The wall, initially started in 2021 to curb irregular immigration, violence, and smuggling, is set to cover more than half of the 340-kilometer border. Construction is already 80% complete in the first phase. Abinader reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the wall into mountainous areas where border crossings have increased. The structure consists of a concrete base topped with a wired fence.

In parallel, the government has intensified deportations of undocumented Haitians. Since October, over 142,000 have been expelled, bringing the total to more than 276,000 in 2024 alone. Authorities continue to implement strict immigration policies as part of their border security strategy.