Beaten by a Dominican border control officer, US citizen suffers while awaiting justice

PORT-AU-PRINCE —  Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Guy Théus, 63, has reported being physically assaulted by a Dominican immigration officer while traveling to Haiti through the Dajabón border on Aug. 6. The altercation left Théus suffering from persistent headaches, temple pain, and a sensation of rolling in his eyes. A complaint filed by Théus in the Dominican Republic (DR) drags on as judicial authorities keep rescheduling a hearing of the case.

This incident occured as diplomatic relations between the two countries deteriorated. Last week,  Haitian high ranking officials refused to attend President Luis Abinader’s inauguration due to dissatisfaction over the Dominican government’s unilateral closure of  the airspace between the two nations.

Théus, a humanitarian from Long Island, New York, was on his way to Ouanaminthe, Haiti’s northeastern town, to join his wife and assist over 100 children with a summer camp when the incident occurred. Accompanied by two other U.S. citizens, he was carrying equipment for the camp. The journey, intended to be a routine crossing, turned into a troubling confrontation.

According to the American humanitarian of Haitian origin, the altercation began in the Dominican immigration parking lot when a border agent demanded his passport. 

The situation quickly escalated, and the agent allegedly taunted Théus, saying, “Do you know where you are? You are in Santo Domingo, not in Haiti.” Without warning, the officer reportedly punched Théus in the face between his temple and right eye, breaking his glasses. 

The border controller then walked away with the passports of Théus’s companions but left Théus’ own, which he had requested.

Attempting to assert his rights, Théus followed the agent to understand the reason for the attack. In response, the officer allegedly turned around and slapped him again and forcibly removed him from the immigration office. 

“He grabbed me by the back waistband of my pants and threw me out,” Théus told The Haitian Times.

The U.S. Army veteran views this assault as a hate crime targeting Black people and Haitians. “I am not illegal, yet immigration, which should protect me, is violating my rights and hitting me. This is a human rights violation,” Théus said. “It’s because I am Black and Haitian. It’s a hate crime.”

Rising diplomatic tensions and human rights concerns

The incident occured amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Haitian government has declined an invitation to the inauguration of  second-term Dominican President Abinader, citing the airspace closure to flights from and to Haiti as a key issue. 

The Dominican government maintains that travel is allowed for Haitian officials and humanitarian leaders, but commercial flights remain restricted due to insecurity in Haiti, stemming from sociopolitical instabilities and escalating gang violence. Observers point out, however, that recent conflicts, including Haitians defying pressure from the Dominican government by constructing an irrigation canal on the Massacre River, shared by both countries, have increased tensions.

 “I am not illegal, yet immigration, which should protect me, is violating my rights and hitting me. This is a human rights violation. It’s because I am Black and Haitian. It’s a hate crime.”

Guy Theus, Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major

 “This project has fueled resentment that President Abinader is not yet ready to resolve or let go of,” some say.

In recent months, human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of abuse against Haitians in the Dominican Republic. The Support Group for Returnees and Refugees (GARR) and other advocacy groups like  women’s organization NÈGÈS MAWON have reported  all sorts of violence against Haitians, including rape, extortions and massive deportations in inhumane conditions by Dominican immigration officers and border agents.

Legal and diplomatic implications

Théus filed a complaint against his assailant, but upon follow-up, discovered the document submitted had been destroyed or missing. In the face of this setback, he provided a copy of his medical report as evidence. A hearing was scheduled for Aug. 13, then rescheduled on Aug. 14 but was again postponed due to procedural issues.

The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo informed Théus that American citizens were advised against crossing into Haiti, which is under a Level 4 U.S. Travel Advisory due to security concerns.

Amnesty International and other bodies have called on the Dominican Republic to end human rights abuses against Haitians and dark-skinned individuals, criticizing the country’s migration policies as discriminatory.

Despite the challenges, highlighting the broader issues of racial discrimination and human rights violations faced by Haitians and people of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic, the philanthropist remains committed to his humanitarian work.

Regarding justice for the assault, Théus demands that Dominican authorities take responsibility. Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez confirmed to the Miami Herald that “the government is aware of the incident at the border where Théus was handled improperly.” Alvarez stated that “the incident currently is under investigation.”

The post Beaten by a Dominican border control officer, US citizen suffers while awaiting justice appeared first on The Haitian Times.

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Beaten by a Dominican border control officer, US citizen suffers while awaiting justice was first posted on August 20, 2024 at 10:43 am.