Defense Minister claims full border control amid Haiti gang crisis

Santo Domingo.- Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Onofre affirmed on Wednesday that the Dominican Armed Forces, in coordination with the General Directorate of Immigration, maintain full control over the border to prevent Haitian gang members from entering the country. He reported no unusual activity in the area and noted that the four cross-border markets are operating at high capacity, with trade increasing.

Onofre clarified that, despite Haiti’s ongoing violence, there are no signs of gang movements toward the border. He explained that the groups remain within their controlled territories, specifically along Route 3 and Route 8 leading to Port-au-Prince. Authorities are also conducting thorough background checks on all individuals detained at the border to detect any possible gang affiliations.

Separately, the Ministry of Defense announced the removal of two high-ranking officers—Air Force Colonel Rafael Morales Herrero and Army Colonel Eudis Ramírez Bautista—after the U.S. State Department revoked their visas over alleged drug trafficking links. Onofre stated that the matter will proceed through the appropriate investigative channels.