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Dominican Republic Launches Crackdown on Undocumented Migrants

The Dominican Republic has apprehended over 130 Haitian women and children during the initial phase of its operation targeting undocumented migrants within hospitals in Santo Domingo. This significant enforcement action took place amid ongoing concerns regarding immigration policies and treatment of migrants in the country.

Among those detained were many pregnant women and some who had recently given birth, raising questions about the potential impacts of such measures on vulnerable populations seeking medical assistance.

This operation is part of a broader initiative announced by the government last year, which aims to deport up to 10,000 undocumented migrants each week as a means to address increasing migration flows from neighboring Haiti.

President Luis Abinader’s administration has faced criticism for its stringent approach, particularly given that many of the migrants are fleeing dire conditions, including rampant gang violence and severe poverty in areas like Port-au-Prince.

In response to the arrests, the immigration department assured that the detained women were provided with what officials described as “dignified treatment” and that necessary biometric data was collected at a detention center.

A Haitian woman, who was accompanying her pregnant friend for medical care, expressed concern over the ramifications of the government’s actions, highlighting the uncertainty faced by expectant mothers. “If a woman gave birth today, they can’t take her today, because they don’t know what will happen,” she articulated, emphasizing the risks involved, especially if medical complications arose during transit to care facilities.

Officials have stated that the women will receive the necessary medical attention before any undocumented mothers are repatriated back to Haiti. Many Haitians are reportedly taking the perilous journey across the border to escape escalating violence and food shortages, with some days seeing multiple truckloads of individuals making the crossing.

The Dominican Republic’s crackdown is part of a wider effort that has seen over 80,000 individuals deported to Haiti in just the first quarter of this year, as reported by AFP. President Abinader has previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the global community’s inaction regarding the restoration of stability in Haiti, further complicating the situation for those seeking refuge in the Dominican Republic.

Source
www.bbc.com