Dual identity and alleged abuse raise alarms in death of U.S. detainee at Haina Center

Santo Domingo.- The case of the young foreigner found dead at the Haina Vacation Detention Center has taken a new turn following revelations about the detainee’s dual identities and questions surrounding the conditions of their detention. The National Council for Human Rights (CONADEHU) and attorney Carlos Sánchez have both raised serious concerns about how the case was handled.

The deceased, initially identified as Ezri Haijune, had introduced themself under this name—listed as male—during legal proceedings in the Second Chamber of the Criminal Court of the First Instance of San Cristóbal. Attorney Sánchez, who had been handling the case, confirmed that this was the name and gender the individual provided. However, the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) later identified the same person as Ellen Frances Hulett, a U.S. citizen, in a report released one day after the death was announced.

Sánchez explained that the young person was intersex, biologically presenting both male and female characteristics, though they personally identified as male. Despite this, they had a visibly feminine appearance. This likely contributed to confusion regarding their placement, ultimately leading to the detainee being held in a male cell block at the Haina center.

CONADEHU director Nelson Gutiérrez alleged that, during detention, the individual was subjected to repeated sexual assaults by male detainees, claiming at least fifteen perpetrators were involved. He further criticized the DGM’s new deportation procedures, which involve mass detentions over several days before group expulsions, increasing the vulnerability of those in custody.

The DGM confirmed that the detainee had been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder and was receiving medical care at the time of death. However, amid allegations of sexual abuse, inhumane conditions, and mismanagement related to identity and gender, calls for a thorough, independent investigation are intensifying.