# Dominican Republic migration enforcement and policy debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-implements-new-thirdcountry-deportation-agreements-across-several-nations > Updated: 2026-09-26T21:58:02.000Z. Sources: 694. Developments: 35. In mid-August 2026, various Dominican sectors—including religious, labor, and health leaders—called for a migration policy that balances national security with human rights and economic development. During a ‘Voces Solidarias’ meeting at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, participants expressed concerns regarding Resolution DGM-001-2026. Experts noted that new requirements for renewing temporary work permits could hinder labor regularization in agriculture, construction, and domestic work, while health specialists warned of restricted medical access for vulnerable groups. By mid-September, the National Institute of Migration (INM RD) began exploring cooperation with United Nations agencies, including UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM, and ILO, to strengthen research and evidence-based public migration policies. Enforcement remains intensive. Between 16 and 22 September 2026, the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) conducted extensive operations across several provinces, resulting in 10,620 foreigners in irregular status being apprehended nationwide. The southern region accounted for 3,539 of these detentions. In Dajabón, authorities carried out 1,336 interdictions across border communities such as Restauración, El Carrizal, and Loma de Cabrera, while Elías Piña saw 1,079 detentions. These operations, involving the Dominican Army, National Police, and the Specialized Terrestrial Border Security Corps (CESFRONT), led to 4,980 deportations through border crossings in Dajabón, Jimaní, Elías Piña, and Pedernales. On 26 September 2026, the DGM and the Dominican Army expanded inspections to commercial establishments in San Cristóbal. During an inspection of 19 businesses, including food service outlets, authorities detained 21 foreigners—20 Haitian nationals and one Chinese citizen—for irregular migratory status. The detainees were transferred to the Haina Migration Processing Center for status verification. ## Claims - The DGM detained 3,012 undocumented foreigners between August 21 and August 23. (disputed by 3 sources) - The Dirección General de Migración reported a total of 1,004 detainees nationwide during the interdiction period. (disputed) - Dominican authorities captured approximately 1,800 undocumented migrants in a 24‑hour span across multiple provinces. (disputed) - The DGM detained 1,024 foreign nationals in irregular migratory status during interdiction operations. (disputed) - A man's body in an advanced state of decomposition was found inside a vehicle at the DGM headquarters. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The deceased was identified as 39-year-old Nelson de los Santos. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Haitian student enrollment in Dominican public schools rose from 25,000 in 2007 to over 205,000 in 2025. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The proportion of Haitian students changed from one per 100 Dominicans to one per 13. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Approximately 141,500 Dominican students left the public school system while 180,000 Haitian students joined. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Twenty-nine Haitian undocumented migrants were detained in a cargo truck in Valverde after the driver crashed while fleeing police. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The driver of the Valverde cargo truck was identified as Misael Antonio Zapata López. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Migration authorities detain 21 foreigners in San Cristóbal Dominican migration authorities and the army detained 21 undocumented foreigners, including 20 Haitians and one Chinese citizen, during inspections of 19 businesses in San Cristóbal. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/migration-authorities-detain-21-foreigners-in-san-cristbal ### 2026-09-23: Dominican Republic migration authorities conduct mass enforcement operations The Dominican Republic's DGM detained over 10,000 foreigners during nationwide migration enforcement operations in late September, with significant activity in Dajabón and Elías Piña. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-migration-authorities-conduct-mass-enforcement-operations ### 2026-09-16: Dominican Republic institutions announce new academic, migration, and digital governance initiatives Institutional updates in the Dominican Republic include an academic partnership between ITLA and Spain Business School, migration cooperation talks between INM RD and the UN, and new digital communication norms 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ogtic-updates-digital-communication-standards-for-dominican-state-institutions ### 2026-09-11: Dominican Republic and Honduras implement migrant reintegration measures Dominican Republic proposes a new social reintegration model for repatriates, while Honduras announces a 2,500 lempira economic bonus for deported citizens starting in October. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-and-honduras-implement-migrant-reintegration-measures ### 2026-09-08: Migration and human rights concerns rise in Dominican Republic and Spain Reports address human rights concerns in migration, including the deportation of a newborn in the Dominican Republic and nationalist political tensions regarding borders in Spain. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/migration-and-human-rights-concerns-rise-in-dominican-republic-and-spain ### 2026-08-28: Dominican Republic detains 1,598 irregular migrants in nationwide operations Dominican Republic migration authorities and security forces detained 1,598 irregular migrants during nationwide operations covering border provinces, Santo Domingo, and the eastern region. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-detains-1598-irregular-migrants-in-nationwide-operations ### 2026-08-24: Dominican Republic faces migration and education challenges Dominican Republic officials report a 716% increase in Haitian student enrollment in public schools since 2007, while migration authorities detained over 3,000 undocumented foreigners in a single weekend. 44 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-migration-directorate-identifies-22-travelers-with-active-alerts ### 2026-08-19: Dominican Republic migration authorities process 250,000 foreigners in 2026 The Dominican Republic's DGM has processed over 250,000 undocumented foreigners in 2026, utilizing increased enforcement operations and new biometric facial recognition technology at the border. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-migration-authorities-detain-997-undocumented-foreigners ### 2026-08-13: Dominican Republic sectors call for human rights-based migration policy Civil society, religious, and labor leaders in the Dominican Republic are urging a migration policy that respects human rights while maintaining legal security and economic stability. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-sectors-call-for-human-rights-based-migration-policy ### 2026-08-12: Dominican Army intercepts 76 Haitian nationals in border operations The Dominican Army intercepted 76 Haitian nationals in irregular migratory status during border operations in the provinces of Elías Piña and Dajabón. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-army-intercepts-76-haitian-nationals-in-border-operations ### 2026-08-10: Dominican Republic migration agency investigates agent corruption The Dominican Republic's Migration Directorate is investigating agents accused of extorting and taking bribes from migrants during enforcement operations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-migration-agency-investigates-agent-corruption ### 2026-08-04: Dominican Republic law enforcement cracks down on smuggling, migration and corruption Dominican authorities honored soldiers for rejecting a $16,800 bribe, detained over 200 Haitian migrants, seized 50,000 contraband cigarettes, and reported a 34% rise in drug seizures in early 2026. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-army-uses-drones-to-detain-haitian-migrants-and-seizes-50000-contraband-cigarettes-at-daja ### 2026-08-02: Dominican Republic Migration Agency reports over 704,000 deportations in 22 months Dominican Republic's DGM has deported over 704,000 irregular migrants in 22 months, expanding its staff to 1,272 agents and boosting daily interdictions with new technology and vehicles. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-migration-agency-reports-over-704000-deportations-in-22-months ### 2026-07-28: Dominican Republic police seize drugs and magnetic cards as migration authority upgrades inspections and detains over 1, Dominican Republic’s DINTEL seized drugs, slot machines and magnetic cards in Capotillo, while the DGM upgraded passport inspections and detained over 1,000 irregular migrants, chiefly in Dajabón and Santo Domí 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-police-seize-drugs-slot-machines-and-magnetic-cards ### 2026-07-25: Dominican Republic raids detain dozens of Haitian migrants Dominican raids arrested two bus drivers for moving 11 Haitian migrants, seized 29 Haitians in a Valverde truck crash, and deported 1,499 migrants via Elías Piña, detaining over 1,000 nationwide in July. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-deports-1499-undocumented-migrants-through-elas-pia ### 2026-07-24: Haitian Migrant Killed in Punta Cana After Machete Attack on Officer A Haitian migrant attacked a Dominican lieutenant colonel with a machete during a Punta Cana migration raid; the officer was injured, fired back, and the attacker later died. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-raid-in-vern-kills-haitian-attacker-injures-lieutenant-colonel ### 2026-07-23: Dominican Republic arrests 67 Haitians as Haiti ramps up diplomatic protests Haiti escalates diplomatic outreach over alleged mistreatment of its citizens in the Dominican Republic as Dominican forces detain 67 Haitians and a local driver in border raids. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-arrests-67-haitians-as-haiti-ramps-up-diplomatic-protests ### 2026-07-20: Dominican Migration Agency Launches Probe After Haitian Man Transported on Motorcycle Dominican migration officials are investigating two agents after a viral video showed a handcuffed Haitian migrant placed on a motorcycle during an operation in San Juan, citing violations of transport protocol 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-launches-protocol-to-block-stolen-mobile-phones ### 2026-07-16: Dominican Migration Agent Accused of Assault in Monte Plata A mother in Monte Plata says her 20‑year‑old son was beaten by a migration agent during a July 3 operation; she filed a complaint but reports no response from the agency. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-migration-agent-accused-of-assault-in-monte-plata ### 2026-07-14: Dominican Republic crackdown detains dozens of Haitians, 1,100 irregulars Dominican authorities detained 30 Haitians in Constanza, arrested three Dominicans for smuggling 28 migrants, and intercepted 1,102 irregular foreigners nationwide, deporting 872. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-army-arrests-three-citizens-for-smuggling-undocumented-haitian-migrants ### 2026-07-11: Dominican Republic deports 1,300+ undocumented Haitians in nationwide raids Dominican Republic forces deported over 1,300 undocumented Haitians and detained 1,800 more in nationwide raids, with the migration agency reporting a record 670,500 deportations since Oct 2024. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-police-bust-migrant-smuggling-ring-involving-officer-and-exmigration-official ### 2026-07-07: Dominican Republic deports 939 undocumented Haitians to Haiti Dominican Republic's migration agency deported 939 undocumented Haitians, mainly via El Álvaro‑Piña and Dajabón, and detained 1,015 foreigners in joint operations across the country. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-deports-939-undocumented-haitians-to-haiti ### 2026-07-07: Dominican Republic deportations surge as Spain police bust migrant smuggling routes Dominican Republic deported 2,856 irregular migrants after weekend raids, while Spain police busted a smuggling network moving Indian migrants from Finland to Barcelona. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-deportations-surge-as-spain-police-bust-migrant-smuggling-routes ### 2026-07-05: Dominican Republic Migration Authority Grants Stay to Pregnant Mother and Deportes 1,081 Irregular Migrants Dominican migration officials let a pregnant mother stay after confirming the father's citizenship and deported 1,081 undocumented migrants in a nationwide sweep on 3 July. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-migration-authority-grants-stay-to-pregnant-mother-and-deportes-1081-irregular-mi ### 2026-07-04: Dominican Army detains Haitian migrants in Montecristi and Santiago Rodríguez operations Dominican Army intercepted 25 undocumented Haitian migrants in Montecristi and Santiago Rodríguez, including 10 hidden in a rice truck, as part of border security operations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-army-detains-haitian-migrants-in-montecristi-and-santiago-rodrguez-operations ### 2026-06-23: Dominican Republic army intercepts dozens of Haitian migrants in border raids Dominican army raids seized 20 Haitian migrants in Santiago Rodríguez and another 56 across Dajabón, Santiago Rodríguez and Valverde; migration authorities reported 3,651 detentions and 3,123 deportations over 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-migration-agency-detains-and-deports-thousands-in-nationwide-sweep ### 2026-06-21: Dominican Republic detains over 3,600 migrants, including 50 Haitians at Dajabón Dominican migration authorities detained 3,651 irregular migrants, deporting 3,123 nationwide, while the army stopped 50 undocumented Haitians at Dajabón border checkpoints. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-detains-over-3600-migrants-including-50-haitians-at-dajabn ### 2026-06-17: Dominican Republic security forces launch road safety, migration and drug operations Dominican officials rolled out road‑lighting projects and safety measures, conducted nationwide migration raids detaining 954 people, redirected police leadership, intercepted a migrant vehicle, captured a U.S. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-detains-954-migrants-intercepts-14-haitians ### 2026-06-15: Dominican Republic deportes over 3,200 Haitians in three days amid heightened border enforcement Dominican authorities deported 3,206 Haitians in three days, detained over 1,200 irregular migrants, and seized 70 migrants plus motor‑oil contraband at the border. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-deports-over-3200-haitians-in-threeday-immigration-sweep ### 2026-06-12: Dominican Republic deports 1,177 irregular migrants in nationwide crackdown Dominican authorities deported 1,177 irregular migrants after nationwide operations, including arrests of 72 Haitians in Dajabón and 55 in Guayubín. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-deportes-1177-irregular-migrants-in-nationwide-operations ### 2026-05-21: Dominican Republic urged to disclose or cancel US deportee memorandum Dominican civic group demands the government publish or cancel a US‑Dominican memorandum on receiving deported third‑country nationals, citing legal and security concerns. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-urged-to-disclose-or-cancel-us-deportee-memorandum ### 2026-05-21: Dominican Republic detains over 2,000 irregular migrants, deports 1,350 in nationwide crackdown Dominican Republic authorities detained 2,056 irregular migrants and deported 1,350 on 20 May 2026, with arrests across border provinces and cities, including an army raid that caught 18 Haitians in Dajabón and 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-detains-over-2000-irregular-migrants-deports-1350-in-nationwide-crackdown ### 2026-05-17: Dominican Republic under fire for US agreements and migrant health policy Dominican Republic criticized for US deals and a health policy linking Haitian migrants' care to deportation. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-under-fire-for-us-agreements-and-migrant-health-policy ### 2026-05-15: Dominican Archbishop Héctor Rodríguez condemns US deportee agreement Dominican Archbishop Héctor Rodríguez denounces US‑Dominican deportee pact, citing unknown living conditions, security risks and sovereignty loss. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-archbishop-hctor-rodrguez-condemns-us-deportee-agreement ### 2026-05-08: Dominican Republic intensifies crackdown on Haitian migrants and signs US‑backed temporary entry pact Dominican Republic cracks down on Haitian migrant trafficking and signs US‑backed deal to temporarily host deported third‑country nationals (excluding Haitians) 587 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-intensifies-crackdown-on-haitian-migrants-and-signs-usbacked-temporary-entry-pact --- Cite as: Dominican Republic migration enforcement and policy debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-implements-new-thirdcountry-deportation-agreements-across-several-nations