Owner of Rumba bar in Sosúa retains rights to business despite possible deportation

Sosúa, Puerto Plata — In response to rumors circulating on social media about the alleged loss of property belonging to foreign citizen Devree Antoine Holis, known as “Ray,” a Bahamian national and owner of the Rumba bar on Pedro Clisante Street, El Nuevo Norte clarifies that deportation or forced departure from the country does not imply the loss of private property, provided it was acquired legally.

According to information confirmed by this outlet, Holis had applied for Dominican residency just a week ago. However, he still did not have legal immigration status at the time of the incident that led to his arrest following an altercation with Politur agents.

In the Dominican Republic, a foreigner may conduct legal transactions—such as purchasing land, businesses, or property—as long as they are within the three-month legal stay period and possess valid documentation, including a passport, visa, or temporary permit.

“The Dominican government may or may not approve residency, but the law does not allow a foreigner to be stripped of their assets due to deportation or pending immigration proceedings,” explained a source close to the legal field.

As far as El Nuevo Norte has been able to confirm, Ray has a partner who continues to run the establishment, which remains open and operating normally.

The businessman’s possible deportation is linked to the fact that he sprayed water and allegedly threw objects at police officers stationed in front of his business after—according to witnesses—he asked them to move away from the sidewalk where they usually stood.

However, from a legal perspective, deportation does not invalidate ownership of property, and the foreign national retains their property rights. If they leave the country, they may be able to regularize their immigration status through their attorneys or by applying from their country of origin.

In the Dominican Republic, the General Migration Law (285-04) governs the residency application process and the State’s right to grant or deny it. The law establishes residency categories (temporary or permanent) and the requirements for each. The General Directorate of Migration has the authority to approve or deny applications and to cancel the residency of foreigners if they fail to comply with the law.

El Nuevo Norte urges caution and refrains from disseminating unverified information about this case, which is still being monitored by immigration authorities and the Sosúa Prosecutor’s Office.