Haitians deported despite Dominican Republic’s holiday deportation pause

FORT-LIBERTÉ— The Dominican Republic authorities carried out another round of deportations of Haitian migrants on New Year’s Eve and again on Jan. 7, 2025, sending more than fourteen buses of people to Haïti’s Ouanaminthe border reception center. These moves come despite the government’s earlier declaration of a temporary suspension of deportations for the holiday season. The timing and scale of the expulsions have reignited accusations that the commitment to halting deportations was merely a symbolic announcement.

Among the deportees arriving at night were many children, raising further concerns about the conditions under which these expulsions are being carried out.

The announcement of the suspension on Dec. 27th arose after mounting backlash against the mass deportations, including a tragic accident on December 24th in Pedro Corto, San Juan, which injured several women and killed a truck driver. Just days later, on Dec. 31, Haiti’s northeast migration office processed another group of deportees, casting doubt on the sincerity of the suspension.

“I thought the deportations had stopped, but on Dec. 31, I received four vans of migrants, including children,” said Myriam Moreau, who works at the Ouanaminthe-Djabon border reception center.

The continued expulsions during the holiday season have further strained the already tense relationship between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, raising questions about the Dominican government’s commitment to its declared truce.

Deportations of Haitian migrants from the Dominican Republic have reached unprecedented levels, with authorities targeting 10,000 undocumented migrants weekly since October 2024. The Dominican Republic General Directorate of Migration, DGM reported 276,215   expulsions between January 1 and December 23, part of President Luis Abinader’s strategy to combat irregular immigration.

“I thought the deportations had stopped, but on Dec. 31, I received four vans of migrants, including children.”

Myriam Moreau, Ouanaminthe-Djabon border reception center worker

“Every day, the situation becomes more difficult,” said Liliana Dolis, coordinator of Movimiento de Mujeres Dominico y Haitianas or Movement of Haitian Dominican Women, MUDHA. “The Dominican State denies Haitians the possibility of obtaining legal documents,” she said.

From 2021 to 2024, over 474,000 Haitians were deported worldwide, with 88% of those expulsions occurring from the Dominican Republic, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Migrants are often deported in dire conditions, with inadequate access to basic needs such as water, food, and medical care.

Human rights groups have condemned the deportations, citing overcrowded detention centers and the lack of protections for vulnerable groups. They lack sufficient access to food, water, or medical care.

“It is unacceptable to treat human beings this way. ” Doris said.

These groups emphasize the lack of mechanisms to safeguard vulnerable populations during deportations, highlighting the shared spaces in detention centers where men, women, and children are housed together.

 “There are no mechanisms to separate women and girls from men in detention,” she said adding that this heightens risks for women and children.

Tragic accident exposes inhumane conditions

A tragic accident on Dec. 24 highlighted the dangers Haitian migrants face during deportations. An overcrowded vehicle, carrying deported migrants and lacking basic safety measures, collided with a food delivery truck in the town of Pedro Corto, San Juan. The crash left the truck driver dead and several women injured. In response, the Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Migration announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has drawn widespread criticism from advocates and human rights groups.

“They promise us documents and tell us things will be sorted by Christmas, but it’s a trap.”

Judelin Victore, deported Haitian migrant

“It is heartbreaking to see Haïtian migrants transported in such risky conditions,” said Colette Lespinasse, a member of the Haïtian Migrant Rights Network, REDMA. “This tragedy underscores the suffering and humiliation they endure.” 

A viral video of the crash sparked widespread outrage, with critics questioning the sincerity of the government’s announced truce. Migrant testimonies corroborated these doubts.

Migrant Voices and Broken Promises

At the Ouanaminthe Office of Migration, days after their repatriation many migrants have described the deportation process as traumatic and riddled with false assurances.

“It’s the worst experience,“ Judelin Victore said. “They promise us documents and tell us things will be sorted by Christmas, but it’s a trap.”

“They give Haitians false hope to make deportations easier. I never believed them,” said Wilmain Fils-Aimé said, echoing a similar sentiment.

“They just want to find us and deport us. Unfortunately, I was right,” Ribens Justin said as he shared his disillusionment.

More criticism and continuous calls for sustainable solutions

While the Dominican government’s suspension of deportations was framed as a goodwill gesture, the continued expulsions and inhumane conditions faced by migrants have amplified calls for international intervention. The Dec. 24 accident serves as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for humane migration policies and regional cooperation to address the root causes driving Haitians to leave their country, advocates said.

Human rights organizations have outlined anti-deportation strategies to combat the systemic expulsion of Haitians, particularly focusing on protecting vulnerable groups such as women and girls. 

“It is unacceptable to treat human beings in this way. We must fight for their voices to be heard to stop these deportations,” said Dolis, the MUDHA coordinator. 

“It is heartbreaking to see Haitian migrants transported in such risky conditions.”

Colette Lespinasse, Haitian Migrant Rights Network (REDMA)

Along with community leaders these groups called for an overhaul of deportation policies and better protections for migrants.

“This temporary suspension does nothing to address the root issues,” said Dolis. “We need sustainable solutions, not pauses that only heighten families’ anxiety.”

“These deportations should be a first step toward reconciliation and justice for all Haitians. Behind every number is a person with hopes, dreams, and struggles,” said Lespinasse.

The post Haitians deported despite Dominican Republic’s holiday deportation pause appeared first on The Haitian Times.

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Haitians deported despite Dominican Republic’s holiday deportation pause was first posted on January 8, 2025 at 9:37 am.