In a stark move to control immigration, the government aims to deport thousands of undocumented migrants weekly, while facing criticism for its treatment of those escaping violence in Haiti.
**Dominican Republic Launches Controversial Migration Crackdown Targeting Pregnant Women and Children**
**Dominican Republic Launches Controversial Migration Crackdown Targeting Pregnant Women and Children**
The Dominican Republic's recent enforcement actions against undocumented migrants have sparked outrage as over 130 Haitian women and children were detained.
The Dominican Republic has set off alarm bells with its latest migration crackdown, detaining more than 130 Haitian women and children during a surprise operation in hospitals across Santo Domingo. This initial wave of arrests took place on Monday, primarily affecting pregnant women and new mothers, intensifying worries over their access to necessary medical care.
This crackdown is part of a larger government strategy to deport up to 10,000 undocumented migrants weekly, a response to the escalating migration crisis linked to rampant gang violence and poverty in neighboring Haiti. President Luis Abinader's administration has come under fire for its aggressive measures, with critics highlighting that many migrants are fleeing dire circumstances.
Authorities have touted that the detained women were provided with "dignified treatment," although one Haitian woman, who was accompanying her pregnant friend to the hospital, expressed deep concerns about the implications of these policies. She articulated fears about the uncertainty looming over mothers-to-be and the risks involved in transporting them without adequate medical support.
Officials have assured that while the women would receive necessary medical care, those deemed undocumented would eventually be repatriated to Haiti. The crackdown mirrors a broader trend, with reports indicating over 80,000 deportations back to Haiti within the first three months of this year alone, as the Dominican Republic grapples with increasing numbers of Haitian migrants crossing the border.
The situation has been compounded by the Dominican Republic's growing frustration with the international community’s inadequacy in restoring stability in Haiti, leaving many wondering what the future holds for those seeking safety across the border.
