Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has made clear that the central mission of his administration is to protect and guarantee the nation’s social peace, announcing that the National Police will continue with targeted search-and-capture operations against individuals with extensive criminal histories.
President Abinader made these remarks during a press availability after attending the inauguration of Ana Josefa Puello Primary School, located in the Cancino Adentro district. Beyond confirming ongoing law enforcement actions, he issued a direct appeal to all suspects with active arrest warrants who have already been identified by authorities to turn themselves in voluntarily. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding and enhancing the operational capabilities of the National Police, framing this investment as critical to protecting the safety and peace of mind that all Dominican families deserve.
“This nation just wants to live in peace and tranquility, for its children to return home each day safely and without fear of harm,” Abinader told reporters. “This country wants peace. The vast majority of our people are good, hardworking, and responsible, and peace is what they demand. The government exists to guarantee that peace, and we will deliver on that promise.”
The president’s comments came just hours after the National Police disclosed that there are currently 53,877 active, unserved arrest warrants across the country, with approximately 73 of those suspects holding multiple criminal convictions. Addressing this high-risk group directly, Abinader stated, “To the approximately 70 individuals with extensive criminal records that we have identified as highly dangerous, we have repeatedly called on them to surrender. Law enforcement teams are actively searching for them. These suspects know we have located them and are closing in — they should turn themselves in now.”
Abinader added that authorities are intentionally giving these suspects the opportunity to surrender peacefully, and noted that the government’s security push has broad public support. He emphasized that the vast majority of Dominicans simply want to live their lives, work, and go about their daily activities without fear of criminal violence.
The president’s announcement comes amid weeks of public debate over the National Police’s recent tactics, after law enforcement issued multiple press disclosures confirming that roughly 30 “alleged criminals” have been killed in exchanges of gunfire with officers during these operations. According to official statements from authorities, all of those killed were described as “known criminals” who died after initiating confrontations with police units, and officers only used lethal force in response to those attacks.
Just on Thursday morning, Dominican Vice President Raquel Peña also weighed in on the debate, stating that any citizen who commits a crime must “be held accountable for the consequences” of their actions. When asked if the current crackdown could be described as a “heavy hand” approach to law enforcement, Peña pushed back on the framing. “I don’t know if I would describe it that way,” she said. “Our job is simply to guarantee social peace and the security of all Dominican citizens, and that is what we will continue to do.”