Haitians Object to Detention in Dominican Republic Despite Having Legal Documentation
SANTO DOMINGO – Several Haitian nationals on Friday objected after being detained by the Immigration authorities in the Dominican Republic, despite allegedly having their documentation.
The arrests have generated deep concern among Haitian communities residing in the country, as they claim to be complying with all legal requirements.
The Haitians claim that they victims of “unjust” raids, which do not distinguish between those legally in the territory and those not.
Several Haitians have been detained following a directive from the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) to deport 10,000 Haitians per week, an operation that began on Thursday in Greater Santo Domingo, as agreed this Wednesday at the Defense and National Security Council headed by President Luis Abinader.
The Director General of Migration, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester (ARD), reiterated that everything is carried out with respect for rights, propriety, and the proportional use of force as proposed by President Luis Abinader in the Council of Defense and National Security.
He explained that they also make other large-scale adjustments, strategy, intelligence, logistics, capabilities, detention protocol, and vehicles.
The days of detention of irregular foreigners are carried out with the collaboration of the Armed Forces, the National Army, the Air Force of the Dominican Republic, the Quiet City Task Force (CIUTRAN), the National Police, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office .
Lee Ballester specified that these actions would be practical and carried out in accordance with the provisions of the General Migration Law 285 .
He added that when they are taken to the interdiction centers, they will be purged, and those who do not have an open immigration process in the DGM will be deported to their country.
Officials in the Dominican Republic say the operation seeks to reduce the excess migrant population perceived in Dominican communities and will be carried out under strict protocols that ensure respect for the human rights and dignity of the returnees.
