Dajabón residents express security concerns over Haitian migrant trafficking

Residents in the Dajabón province of the Dominican Republic are reporting increased anxiety regarding illegal migrant trafficking and border security. Local communities, including Guayajayuco, Restauración, and Loma de Cabrera, have identified various roads and rural paths being used as corridors for the irregular movement of Haitian nationals.

Community members report that individuals known as ‘poteas’ utilize motorcycles, private vehicles, and transport buses to evade established controls. There are also unverified allegations from residents suggesting potential complicity among some military personnel stationed at the border, a claim that necessitates independent investigation.

In addition to trafficking concerns, the region is facing uncertainty due to escalating violence from armed gangs in Haiti. Following warnings from Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele regarding military responses to gang activity in Haiti, local Dominican citizens are calling on the Ministry of Defense and the Dominican Army to increase surveillance to prevent cross-border instability and protect local commerce.