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Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Dominican authorities transferred Gourin Enel, an alleged member of a Haitian gang, to Haitian police on Friday through the Dajabón-Juana Méndez border crossing. Enel was apprehended near the Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo before being escorted by Dominican military and migration officials to the border.
The handover was conducted with heightened security measures, and Enel was formally received by Haitian Police Commissioner Beauvoir Jean Frenel.
Enel, who reportedly had been living illegally in the Dominican capital, expressed fear for his life, citing recent incidents of vigilante violence in Haiti. In Juana Méndez, a community with a history of unrest, another alleged gang member was recently killed by a mob following his deportation.
This case follows Monday’s handover of Faro Markenson, alias “Commander Tirad,” another alleged gang leader deported to Haiti. Markenson was fatally attacked by a crowd immediately after being turned over to Haitian authorities, highlighting the volatility surrounding these extraditions.
The Dominican Republic’s actions come amidst growing concerns over the influence of Haitian gangs and their impact on regional security. Authorities in both countries have emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration to address gang-related violence, which has destabilized communities and fueled migration.
The Dominican Republic and Haiti remain key partners in combating gang activity, but the broader implications of these extraditions reflect the complexities of addressing insecurity in the region.
