The Dominican Republic has begun a controversial operation to detain undocumented migrants, resulting in the arrest of more than 130 Haitian women and children during its first day in hospitals across Santo Domingo. Many of these women are reported to be pregnant, with others having recently given birth. The crackdown aligns with a government initiative announced in 2022, aimed at deporting up to 10,000 undocumented migrants each week to combat the influx from neighboring Haiti.
President Luis Abinader's administration has faced backlash for its perceived harsh measures against Haitian migrants, who are often fleeing dire conditions, including rampant gang violence and extreme poverty in Port-au-Prince. The immigration authority maintained that those arrested were treated with "dignity" at detention centers where their biometric information was collected.
One Haitian woman described the rampant fear among pregnant women seeking medical help, suggesting that the uncertainty surrounding their treatment could pose significant risks, particularly amid potential complications such as C-sections. Meanwhile, authorities assured that while these women would receive medical care, any undocumented mothers would promptly be repatriated.
The Dominican Republic has reportedly expelled more than 80,000 individuals back to Haiti in just the first quarter of this year, reflecting a stringent stance on immigration as the country grapples with the repercussions of the ongoing crisis in Haiti. President Abinader has expressed frustration towards the international community for its inaction in restoring stability to Haiti, further complicating the situation for those seeking refuge in his country.
