Over the past weekend, the 4th Brigade of the Dominican Army has stepped up operations against Haitians who, driven by socio-political instability, violence, lack of basic products and poverty, are trying to enter irregularly in the territory of the Dominican Republic in search of a better life.

Colonel Germán Rosario Pérez, Commander of the 4th Brigade revealed that from September 1st to October 2nd, at least 7,285 Haitians in an irregular migratory situation were intercepted at the border and returned to Haiti via the Directorate General of Migration (DGM).

He claimed that during his operations they also seized 70 motorcycles, 13 scooters and 17 bicycles, which were used for the transfer of Haitians.

In addition, wanting to try to deny the information circulating to the effect of violence on Haitian migrants, Rosario Pérez clarified that generally the arrested immigrants are held lightly by one of their arms by the agents and military officers and immigration, but that no male personnel touched a Haitian immigrant female because that was the role of female soldiers and Migration officers.

However, he acknowledged that some Haitians after being arrested during control operations were trying to resist or even attack the military, however he assured that he had asked his men to act with restraint... and called on Haitian citizens to enter the Dominican territory legally to avoid problems with the Dominican authorities.

S/ HaitiLibre