The Dominican Republic has initiated a severe crackdown on undocumented migrants, arresting more than 130 Haitian women and children on the first day of operations in hospitals across Santo Domingo. The majority of those apprehended were either pregnant or had recently given birth. This move is part of President Luis Abinader's government's scheme, which aims to deport as many as 10,000 undocumented migrants weekly to address the rising tide of migrants from Haiti.
The government's approach has faced considerable backlash due to its perceived brutality, as many Haitian nationals are escaping rampant gang violence and dire poverty in Port-au-Prince. An eyewitness, a Haitian woman accompanying her friend, expressed deep concern over the implications of the crackdown for expectant mothers. "If a woman gave birth today, they can't take her today, because they don't know what will happen. And if she has a C-section, they don't know what is going to happen either," she stated, underlining the precariousness of medical care under such circumstances.
Authorities maintained the women would be afforded "dignified treatment" following their arrest, with a promise of medical evaluation and subsequent repatriation for undocumented mothers. The Dominican Republic has increased deportation efforts significantly, having returned more than 80,000 individuals to Haiti in the first quarter of the year, illustrating the escalating enforcement measures. Meanwhile, President Abinader's administration has expressed frustration with international efforts to restore stability to Haiti, underscoring the complexities surrounding migration and humanitarian issues in the region.
