Dominican Republic Deports Over 30,000 Migrants Amid Haiti Crisis and U.S. Policy Shift

The Dominican Republic’s Directorate General of Migration (DGM) reported the expulsion of more than 30,000 migrants in January 2025, the majority being Haitian nationals, as part of a sweeping crackdown on irregular migration and human trafficking networks. The move comes amid heightened regional instability, with Haiti grappling with gang violence and a potential surge in returnees from the U.S. following tightened immigration policies under former President Donald Trump.

Mass Deportations Amid Regional Instability

According to the DGM, 31,213 migrants were deported during 266 operations across the country in January. While 98% were Haitian, the agency also expelled individuals from Mexico, Nigeria, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, Canada, and Venezuela. The deportations align with President Luis Abinader’s aggressive immigration enforcement strategy, which saw tens of thousands of Haitians removed in 2024 over irregular status claims.

Haiti, already facing a humanitarian crisis fueled by armed gangs and political paralysis, now risks further strain as thousands of migrants return. Compounding the challenge, the U.S. has begun deporting Haitian migrants under Trump-era policies, with recent flights arriving at Cap-Haïtien Airport.

Crackdown on Human Trafficking Networks

In parallel, Dominican authorities arrested 17 individuals tied to migrant smuggling rings in Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Cristobal, and Puerto Plata. The DGM stated the operations complied with human rights standards and involved coordination with the National Army, Navy, Police, and Public Ministry. “These actions reflect our commitment to lawful, humane migration management,” a DGM spokesperson said.

Critics, however, argue the expulsions ignore Haiti’s collapse. “Forcing people back into a warzone is inhumane,” said Leonora Martínez of the Caribbean Human Rights Network. “The international community must address root causes, not just symptoms.”

U.S. Policy Shifts Amplify Pressures

The Dominican crackdown coincides with the U.S. resuming deportation flights to Haiti, reversing temporary protections granted during earlier crises. Over 2,000 Haitians have been returned since December 2024, with advocates warning of chaos. “Haiti lacks the infrastructure to absorb this influx,” said Jean-Baptiste Laurent, a Port-au-Prince aid worker. “These policies are a death sentence for many.”

Regional Implications and Calls for Action

With gang violence displacing over 200,000 Haitians internally and the U.N. warning of famine, regional leaders urge a coordinated response. The Dominican Republic insists its measures are necessary for national security, but human rights groups demand accountability. “Deportations cannot substitute for diplomacy,” Martínez said. “Without addressing Haiti’s governance vacuum, this cycle will continue.”


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *