Abdelrahman
Title: Haitian Deportees Face Challenges and Abuses Upon Return Under Intensified Dominican Crackdown
BELLADERE, Haiti (AP) — Recently, around 500 individuals emerged from the dusty vehicles and passed through a narrow entryway at the border gate between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. These early morning deportees stood in line in Belladère, a Haitian border town, waiting for food, water, and medical assistance, some still in their work clothing and others barefoot, contemplating their next steps.
Under the blazing sun, the migrants shared their accounts of increasing mistreatment at the hands of Dominican authorities. In October, President Luis Abinader announced a stringent policy mandating the deportation of at least 10,000 immigrants weekly—a measure condemned by various civil rights organizations. “They invaded my home at 4 a.m.,” recounted Odelyn St. Fleur, a mason in the Dominican Republic for 20 years, who was asleep next to his wife and young son when the incident occurred.
Reports of escalating human rights abuses are concerning, with claims of illegal home invasions, racial profiling, and the deportation of vulnerable individuals, including breastfeeding mothers and unaccompanied minors. The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, recently witnessed a wave of deportations, with more than 250,000 people expelled last year and over 31,200 in just January.
Activist Roudy Joseph declared, “The situation is becoming critical,” indicating that many children are left abandoned at schools during these sudden deportations.
Crossing Back in Despair
On a recent afternoon, the scene at the border was chaotic. Vendors hawked goods to the men, women, and children who were forced back into Haiti, offering essentials like jeans, water, and illegal border-crossing services. Several individuals, despite the increased crackdown, sought ways to sneak back into the Dominican Republic, highlighting systemic failures in border management.
Jimmy Milien, a 32-year-old floor installer, described being deported for the second time after he was arrested in the Dominican capital. He recalled authorities yelling derogatory terms as they ordered him off a public bus. “I left my wife and kids behind, unsure about when I’ll see them again,” he lamented.
Haiti offers little solace, with rampant violence and poverty forcing him to navigate through gang-controlled areas just to reach the capital. “There’s nothing but criminals and despair,” he said, referring to a country where over 5,600 people lost their lives to gang violence last year.
Smuggling Operations Thrive Amid Crackdowns
Despite risks, smuggling operations flourish at the border. A man named Mack, who declined to share his last name, claimed to facilitate crossings up to six times a week for a fee. He explained, “If you pay the guards, they’ll let you through.” He had previously worked in the Dominican Republic and now avoids returning until the crackdown softens. “Here, I am known—they don’t bother me,” he added.
As concerns escalate, Dominican officials like Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester express frustration over the growing responsibilities imposed by the influx of Haitian migrants. He remarked, “We’re prepared to assist, but Haiti must restore order for its citizens.”
Dominican authorities argue that the increasing number of Haitian immigrants strains public services, with over 80,000 new Haitian students enrolling in schools over the past four years. Health officials note that Haitian women account for up to 70% of all births in the country, affecting local resources significantly.
Ballester announced plans to enhance the presence of migration officials nationwide to address what he termed a crisis of undocumented immigrants, reiterating, “They pose a burden and risk to our nation.” Furthermore, he emphasized that the Dominican Republic does not deport unaccompanied minors, stating processes are in place to ensure the separation of women and children from adult males during deportation procedures.
However, reports indicate that these policies are not uniformly enforced. For instance, five unaccompanied minors were deported recently, underscoring ongoing challenges. Humanitarian organizations express alarm at the exploitation of vulnerable minors, particularly in gang-active areas.
The Humanitarian Perspective
Many deported children struggle to find their footing upon returning to a land they’ve seldom known. Josette Jean, whose son was sent back alone, faced the terrifying reality of her 16-year-old’s departure. “Children born here have no idea where to go,” she remarked, raising concerns about their safety and well-being as they are grouped with individuals who do not share their experience.
As deportations persist, labor force issues arise, particularly in agriculture and construction sectors that depend on cheaper labor. Ballester’s response to these complaints was straightforward: “Hire Dominican workers.”
With deportations on the rise and calls for international support growing, President Abinader warned of the hazards posed by Haiti’s deteriorating circumstances, urging stronger international involvement. “Haiti is drowning while significant parts of the global community remain passive observers,” he asserted.
This report includes contributions from Associated Press reporter Martín Adames Alcántara in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
