DGM reports death of American woman at Haina Detention Center

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) reported the death of an American woman on Monday while she was being held at the Haina Detention Center amid immigration investigation and deportation procedures.

According to an official statement, the woman was found lifeless in her cell with no signs of violence, as confirmed by initial evaluations from the medical examiner and the National Criminal Investigation Department (Dicrim). The woman had reportedly exhibited signs of psychotic disorders and was detained in late April in the eastern region of the country by the Tourist Police for lacking personal identification.

Since her identity was initially unknown, the DGM’s Immigration Intelligence Directorate began an investigation, reaching out to several embassies. Her identity and U.S. nationality were officially confirmed last Wednesday using facial recognition technology, and the U.S. Embassy was informed shortly after.

The woman’s body has been transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.