Dominican Republic migration authorities process 250,000 foreigners in 2026

migration enforcement deportations biometric surveillance border control Haitian migrants

The Dominican Republic's General Directorate of Migration (DGM) has reported significant enforcement actions throughout 2026. So far this year, the agency has processed 250,429 undocumented foreigners, consisting of 186,139 deportations and 64,290 formal repatriations. Of those deported, approximately 76.92% are male.

Recent large-scale operations have resulted in numerous detentions. On August 19, 1,868 Haitian nationals in irregular status were detained across 31 provinces, with 1,359 individuals subsequently deported through border points such as Elías Piña and Dajabón. A separate operation on August 18 led to the detention of 997 foreigners across 20 provinces.

To strengthen border security, the DGM is implementing advanced biometric technology in Dajabón. This system, which includes facial recognition and artificial intelligence, is currently in its final evaluation phase and aims to validate identities during binational trade periods. Additionally, the DGM reported that between January and August 2026, 270 people were prosecuted in 198 cases involving migratory crimes, including document forgery and human trafficking.

Customs authorities are also increasing oversight of goods in transit to Haiti, requiring transport vehicles to cross the border to prevent the illegal diversion of international brands into the local Dominican market.

Entities

Dajabón · Dirección General de Migración · Dominican Republic · Ejército de República Dominicana · Haiti · Luis Rafael Lee Ballester

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Of the total processed, 186,139 are deportations and 64,290 are formal repatriations. www.paginaextra.com · ensegundos.do
[● 2 SOURCES] 76.92% of the deported individuals are male. www.paginaextra.com · ensegundos.do
[● 3 SOURCES] A new biometric system using facial recognition and AI is in the final evaluation phase for use in Dajabón. www.paginaextra.com · eldia.com.do · ensegundos.do
[● 2 SOURCES] The DGM has processed 250,429 undocumented foreigners in 2026. www.paginaextra.com · ensegundos.do
[● 2 SOURCES] 1,359 foreigners were deported through border control points during the August 19 operations. remolacha.net · hoy.com.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] 997 foreigners in irregular migratory status were detained during operations in 20 provinces on August 18. almomento.net
[● 2 SOURCES] 1,868 Haitian nationals in irregular migratory status were detained during simultaneous operations on August 19. remolacha.net · hoy.com.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] Between January and August 2026, 270 people were prosecuted in 198 cases involving migratory crimes. lavozdelprm.org