On March 30, tensions reached a boiling point in the Dominican Republic’s Hoyo de Friusa as anti-Haitian protesters clashed with police. The demonstration, led by the nationalist group Antigua Orden Dominicana (AOD), called for the mass expulsion of Haitian migrants. Protesters argued that undocumented Haitians were responsible for increasing crime rates in Hoyo de Friusa and surrounding towns, including Punta Cana, Bávaro, and Higüey.
The protest was the latest development in the ongoing diplomatic and social discord between the Dominican and Haitian governments. The dispute was reignited in the fall of 2023 when Haiti initiated the construction of an irrigation canal near the shared border, prompting a strong response from Dominican President Luis Abinader. His administration launched a mass deportation campaign, expelling thousands of Haitian migrants. In January 2025 alone, the Dominican General Directorate of Migration reported the expulsion of 14,633 Haitians within the first fifteen days, a figure that underscores the rising tensions between the two nations.
As the march progressed, emotions flared, and violence ensued. Protesters threw rocks at law enforcement officers, forcing their way into predominantly Haitian neighborhoods despite a significant security presence. Santiago Molina, a Dominican lawyer advocating for Haitian migrants, witnessed the unrest firsthand. He described the chaotic scene as demonstrators ignored the designated protest route approved by authorities. Around 6 p.m., the group deviated from its planned course and moved aggressively into Haitian-dominated areas, escalating the already volatile situation.
This latest incident highlights the intensifying anti-Haitian sentiment in the Dominican Republic. The Haitian community, which has long faced discrimination and marginalization, once again finds itself in the middle of a politically charged crisis. The Dominican government has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the violence, while the Haitian government remains silent on the harassment of its citizens.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, concerned about the future of Haitian-Dominican relations and the safety of Haitian migrants living in the Dominican Republic.
Add Comment