Article Text:
In a significant escalation of its immigration policy, the Dominican Republic has arrested more than 130 undocumented Haitian women and children on the first day of a crackdown targeting migrants in hospitals across Santo Domingo. Among those taken into custody were numerous pregnant women and new mothers, accentuating the humanitarian implications of this enforcement.
This operation is part of President Luis Abinader's administration's broader strategy to deport as many as 10,000 undocumented migrants each week, a directive initiated last year aimed at managing the influx of individuals fleeing Haiti's gang violence and dire socioeconomic conditions. Yet, the government has faced widespread condemnation for its aggressive tactics against the influx of Haitian migrants.
Authorities claim that detainees are treated "with dignity" as they are processed in a detention center, where their biometric information is recorded. However, concerns persist about how these policies affect pregnant women needing medical assistance. One Haitian woman who was present at the hospital in support of a friend stated that the government's actions may deter women from seeking necessary care.
"If a woman gives birth today, they can't take her today, because they don't know what will happen," she remarked, emphasizing the risks associated with such uncertainty, especially for those who might require urgent medical attention due to complications.
The Dominican government has assured that medical care will be provided to those detained, with plans to repatriate undocumented mothers. In light of escalating violence and poverty, many Haitians have crossed the border, with reports indicating that daily crossings can involve truckloads of individuals seeking refuge.
Recent statistics indicate over 80,000 people have been deported to Haiti in just the first quarter of this year. President Abinader has expressed frustration at the international community's inaction regarding Haiti's troubled state, further complicating this multifaceted crisis that combines human rights concerns with national security issues.
In a significant escalation of its immigration policy, the Dominican Republic has arrested more than 130 undocumented Haitian women and children on the first day of a crackdown targeting migrants in hospitals across Santo Domingo. Among those taken into custody were numerous pregnant women and new mothers, accentuating the humanitarian implications of this enforcement.
This operation is part of President Luis Abinader's administration's broader strategy to deport as many as 10,000 undocumented migrants each week, a directive initiated last year aimed at managing the influx of individuals fleeing Haiti's gang violence and dire socioeconomic conditions. Yet, the government has faced widespread condemnation for its aggressive tactics against the influx of Haitian migrants.
Authorities claim that detainees are treated "with dignity" as they are processed in a detention center, where their biometric information is recorded. However, concerns persist about how these policies affect pregnant women needing medical assistance. One Haitian woman who was present at the hospital in support of a friend stated that the government's actions may deter women from seeking necessary care.
"If a woman gives birth today, they can't take her today, because they don't know what will happen," she remarked, emphasizing the risks associated with such uncertainty, especially for those who might require urgent medical attention due to complications.
The Dominican government has assured that medical care will be provided to those detained, with plans to repatriate undocumented mothers. In light of escalating violence and poverty, many Haitians have crossed the border, with reports indicating that daily crossings can involve truckloads of individuals seeking refuge.
Recent statistics indicate over 80,000 people have been deported to Haiti in just the first quarter of this year. President Abinader has expressed frustration at the international community's inaction regarding Haiti's troubled state, further complicating this multifaceted crisis that combines human rights concerns with national security issues.
