Many of the women arrested were pregnant and others had recently given birth, leading to significant concerns about their treatment and access to healthcare.
Dominican Republic's Controversial Crackdown on Undocumented Migrants
Dominican Republic's Controversial Crackdown on Undocumented Migrants
In a drastic move, the Dominican Republic has detained over 130 Haitian women and children amid its latest efforts to curb undocumented migration.
The government’s recent crackdown saw the arrest of more than 130 Haitian women and children, predominantly in hospitals across Santo Domingo, with many of the women either pregnant or recently given birth. This initiative is part of a broader strategy, initiated by President Luis Abinader's administration, to deport around 10,000 undocumented migrants weekly in response to the surge of individuals fleeing instability and gang violence in neighboring Haiti. Advocates and health officials have raised concerns about the impact of these actions on pregnant women who may require medical assistance, highlighting the uncertainty that looms over them as they seek care. The government asserts that arrested women will receive proper medical care at a detention center, yet human rights observers criticize the harsh measures, noting that these migrations are often prompted by desperate conditions in Haiti. In just the first quarter of this year, the Dominican Republic has expeditiously deported over 80,000 individuals back to Haiti, reflecting the administration’s aggressive stance towards border control as the humanitarian crisis worsens.
