Dominican Republic Initiates Controversial Crackdown on Undocumented Haitian Migrants

The crackdown aims to deport a significant number of undocumented migrants, drawing criticism for its severity amid the ongoing crisis in Haiti, as many migrants seek refuge from violence and poverty.

The Dominican Republic has launched a stringent initiative to address undocumented migration, arresting more than 130 Haitian women and children on the first day of enforcement in hospitals across Santo Domingo. The operation, which occurred on Monday, has resulted in the apprehension of many pregnant women and those who recently birthed, as the government seeks to deport up to 10,000 undocumented migrants each week. This crackdown is reportedly a part of President Luis Abinader's broader strategy to manage a surge of Haitian migrants fleeing escalating gang violence and dire poverty in Port-au-Prince.

Amidst the operation, which has attracted criticism for its insensitivity, particularly toward vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, eyewitness accounts reflect growing anxiety regarding access to medical care. A Haitian woman accompanying her pregnant friend voiced concerns about the repercussions on maternal health, highlighting the uncertainty faced by women receiving treatment in a climate of fear. She emphasized, "If a woman gave birth today, they can't take her today, because they don't know what will happen," pointing to potential risks associated with emergencies during transport.

In response to the arrests, government officials claimed that the women would be treated humanely and properly cared for before being returned to Haiti, including medical assistance for undocumented mothers. Since the start of the year, the Dominican Republic has reportedly seen more than 80,000 individuals deported back to Haiti, as tight border management persists amid ongoing national dialogues yearning for international intervention to stabilize the Haitian situation.