The Dominican Republic recently arrested over 130 Haitian women and children as part of a crackdown on undocumented migrants. The initiative, aimed at replacing the influx of Haitians fleeing rampant violence and poverty, has been subject to backlash due to the treatment of vulnerable populations, including pregnant women.
Dominican Republic Launches New Crackdown on Undocumented Migrants
Dominican Republic Launches New Crackdown on Undocumented Migrants
Over 130 Haitian women and children were arrested in Santo Domingo amid a controversial anti-migration campaign.
In a controversial move, the Dominican Republic has intensified its crackdown on undocumented migrants, arresting more than 130 Haitian women and children in hospitals across Santo Domingo. This aggressive operation reflects the government's ongoing plan to deport an estimated 10,000 undocumented migrants weekly, a step aimed at managing the rising number of Haitians entering the country, often fleeing dire poverty and violence.
Many of the arrested women were either pregnant or had recently given birth, igniting concerns about the implications for maternal and infant health care. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the current environment has created a climate of fear for women seeking medical assistance. One Haitian woman, accompanying her friend to a hospital, expressed her anxiety regarding the situation, emphasizing the dangers pregnant women face in this climate of uncertainty.
The authorities have stated that the detained women would receive proper medical care while their biometric data is recorded, with plans for undocumented mothers to be repatriated upon recovery. However, ongoing crackdowns have led to significant repercussions for many; in the initial months of 2023 alone, over 80,000 individuals have reportedly been sent back to Haiti.
President Luis Abinader's administration has been vocally frustrated by the international community's insufficient efforts to stabilize Haiti, a country grappling with escalating chaos. The tightening immigration policies highlight an increasingly hardline approach to managing migrant populations, with many advocates expressing concern for the vulnerable individuals caught in the crossfire.
