Dominican authorities detained over 44,000 Haitians with irregular migration status in October 2023, expelling more than 40,000 as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration. The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) reported that 40,521 individuals were expelled during this period, amid intensifying enforcement operations across the country.
The DGM worked alongside the armed forces, National Police, and various security agencies to carry out these operations, which targeted multiple provinces and were particularly focused on commercial and agricultural establishments. Dajabón recorded the highest number of detentions with 6,700 cases, followed by Elías Piña with 4,961 and Santo Domingo with 4,845.
During the month, the Dominican Republic Army transferred 10,872 individuals to the DGM, while the National Police contributed 4,895 detentions. Other contributing agencies included the Specialized Corps of Land Border Security, which handed over 3,289 individuals, the National Environmental Protection Service with 151, and the Dominican Republic Navy with 43.
Immigration inspections were also conducted at agricultural holdings and agro-industrial sites in San Francisco de Macorís, Moca, and San Juan, where officials identified nearly 700 Haitians with irregular immigration status throughout October. Additional operations took place in Duarte, Peravia, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, the National District, and several areas of Santo Domingo, focusing on the immigration status of foreign workers and their employment conditions.
On October 31 and November 1, authorities detained 2,102 more individuals who could not demonstrate regular immigration status. They deported 2,234 people through border checkpoints in Dajabón, Elías Piña, Jimaní, and Pedernales.
The DGM emphasized that it would continue to conduct joint operations with the armed forces and National Police nationwide to enforce Dominican immigration laws. Additionally, the agency reported ongoing initiatives to enhance training for its operational and administrative staff, supported by national and international organizations. This training aims to improve monitoring and verification of immigration status for foreign workers and enhance services for those affected.
