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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee, Director General of Migration for the Dominican Republic, stated on October 22, 2024, that the illegal entry of Haitian migrants into the country is driven by a lucrative trafficking business involving various sectors beyond just border enforcement. During a visit to the border provinces of Elías Piña and Dajabón, Lee condemned those profiting from human smuggling, including local collaborators.
Lee emphasized that the issue extends beyond military or border patrol shortcomings. “We can’t just point fingers at the military. There are collateral actors involved in this business—accommodation sites, transportation services, and numerous individuals in these areas,” Lee said during a meeting with civil society representatives and military officials in the province of Elías Piña. He called for coordinated efforts to dismantle the networks enabling illegal migration.
Human Trafficking Networks Involving Multiple Actors
According to Lee, human trafficking in the border regions is a complex operation involving various sectors that facilitate the entry and movement of undocumented Haitians into the Dominican Republic. Local businesses, transport services, and even individuals living in border towns are implicated in providing shelter and support to migrants, often in exchange for financial gain. This revelation highlights the broader scope of the challenge, which goes beyond the actions of border security forces.
The situation reflects the depth of economic and social ties along the border, where human smuggling has become a means of livelihood for some, complicating enforcement efforts. Despite the Dominican government’s crackdown on illegal migration, these networks continue to find ways to evade detection.
Increase in Deportations Amidst Border Crackdown
The Dominican Republic has ramped up efforts to control its borders, with a reported 23,535 Haitian migrants returned to Port-au-Prince in the first 17 days of October 2024 alone. Of these, 15,488 were deported after being detained by Dominican authorities, while the remaining migrants returned voluntarily, according to the General Directorate of Migration. This uptick in deportations follows increased collaboration between migration agents and other security agencies.
The Dominican Republic’s strict stance on migration has sparked criticism from human rights organizations, but officials have defended the measures as necessary to maintain border security and manage the influx of undocumented migrants. Vice Admiral Lee’s recent statements reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to curbing illegal migration and human trafficking along its border with Haiti.
Complex Border Dynamics
The Dominican-Haitian border remains one of the most contentious and active migration routes in the region. Economic disparity, political instability, and widespread violence in Haiti have driven thousands of Haitians to seek work and safety in the Dominican Republic. However, the influx has placed strain on local communities and fueled concerns about national security.
Efforts to combat illegal migration have been complicated by the deep-rooted economic ties between the two nations, with many border residents relying on informal trade and smuggling to sustain their livelihoods. Vice Admiral Lee’s remarks underscore the challenge of balancing border security with the economic realities of the region.
Call for Coordinated Action
During his visit to Elías Piña, Vice Admiral Lee urged for a coordinated, multi-sector approach to dismantle the human trafficking networks facilitating the illegal entry of Haitian migrants. He stressed the importance of involving civil society, local authorities, and international organizations in addressing the root causes of migration and trafficking.
As the Dominican Republic continues to manage the complexities of its border with Haiti, stronger collaboration among stakeholders will be crucial to combat the illegal migration and human smuggling that persist in the region.
