Dominican Republic deports nearly 15,000 undocumented Haitians in 12 days

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) deported 14,874 undocumented Haitians during the first 12 days of April as part of a heightened immigration control campaign. The initiative follows the deployment of 160 newly trained rapid-response agents and increased support from the Armed Forces and other security agencies, as directed by President Luis Abinader.

From April 1 to 12, the DGM carried out 176 operations, resulting in the detention of 9,393 Haitians, while another 5,481 were apprehended through coordinated efforts with other agencies. The operations were carried out in compliance with human rights standards, the DGM noted.

The largest number of arrests occurred in Higüey (2,327), followed by Santo Domingo, Santiago, and La Vega. Most deportations took place at border provinces like Dajabón (3,435), Elías Piña (3,255), Jimaní (1,041), and Pedernales (907), while thousands more were processed through detention centers in Haina and Santiago. The DGM affirmed it will continue these efforts to uphold national security and immigration law.