A recent surge in deportations from the Dominican Republic to Haiti has raised concerns about human rights abuses, with reports of unauthorized home raids, racial profiling, and separation of families. The Dominican Republic’s harsh new deportation policy, implemented in October, aims to deport at least 10,000 immigrants weekly, sparking widespread criticism from civil organizations.
Migrants have recounted experiences of being awoken in the early hours by authorities who broke down their doors. Odelyn St. Fleur, a Haitian migrant who had lived in the Dominican Republic for 20 years, shared his story of being deported after authorities raided his home. Many migrants, including families and unaccompanied minors, arrive at the Haitian border city of Belladère seeking food, water, and medical care.
Data from the Associated Press shows that over 250,000 people were deported last year, with more than 31,200 deported in January alone. Activists argue that the situation has reached a critical point, with children being left abandoned at schools due to the deportations.
Dominican officials claim that Haitian immigrants have put a strain on the country’s public services, citing the enrollment of over 80,000 new Haitian students in public schools in the past four years. Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Dominican migration director, stated that the country is willing to provide support but emphasized the need for Haiti’s leaders to address the situation in their country.
Despite denying abuse allegations, Ballester acknowledged that officials might enter homes during “hot pursuit” and announced plans to retrain personnel to respect human rights. However, reports of deportations of unaccompanied minors continue to emerge. President Abinader has warned of an “uncontrollable wave of migration” and called for increased support for a U.N.-backed mission in Haiti to combat gang violence. The international community is being urged to take action to address the crisis in Haiti.
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