In a significant enforcement operation targeting irregular migration, Dominican authorities detained 454 Haitian nationals during coordinated raids in Santo Domingo Este. The large-scale intervention, conducted in the early hours of February 13, represents the latest escalation in the Caribbean nation’s efforts to strengthen border security and immigration compliance.
The multi-agency operation involved personnel from the General Directorate of Migration (DGM), National Police, and Dominican Armed Forces, with strategic coordination provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Police, Ministry of Defense, and the Office of the Attorney General. Brigadier General Eddy Pérez Peralta led the mission alongside senior migration and military officials, operating under the legal framework of General Migration Law 285-04.
Law enforcement initially concentrated operations in the Katanga sector before expanding to adjacent areas including Vietnam and surrounding streets. During systematic inspections of irregular settlements, authorities identified 280 adult males among the detained individuals, all found lacking proper legal documentation for residence in the Dominican Republic.
All apprehended migrants were transported to the Haina Migrant Processing Center, where officials implemented standardized protocols including identification verification, security vetting, criminal background investigations, and biometric registration. The procedures were conducted in accordance with international human rights standards governing migration management.
Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Vice Admiral and Director General of Migration, confirmed that individuals unable to establish legal residency status would face deportation to their country of origin following completion of due legal processes. The official reiterated the institution’s commitment to systematic migration control throughout national territory, emphasizing the operation’s dual purpose of maintaining public security and regulatory compliance.