U.S. Secretary of State Rubio Oversees Seizure of Venezuelan Government Plane in Dominican Republic

Rescue operations concluded on Wednesday at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, following a catastrophic roof collapse that resulted in 184 confirmed deaths. According to emergency personnel, the updated count reflects an increase of 60 fatalities since Wednesday morning. Rescue efforts have transitioned to the recovery of bodies, as officials stated "all reasonable possibilities of finding more survivors" had been exhausted. More than 300 rescue workers participated in the search, enduring challenging conditions as they combed through debris, supported by international teams from Puerto Rico and Israel. Eyewitness accounts revealed chaos during the incident, which occurred around 12:44 AM on Tuesday while merengue singer Rubby Perez performed to a crowded audience. Reports indicated the club was at full capacity, housing between 500 to 1,000 attendees. Tributes have poured in for the victims, including Perez and former Major League Baseball players, prompting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to express condolences and confirm at least one U.S. citizen was among the deceased. President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning in response to the country's worst disaster in decades.

At least 15 people have died following the collapse of the roof at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, early Tuesday morning, according to emergency services. The incident occurred during a performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Perez, who was among those trapped in the debris. Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, confirmed the fatalities and expressed hope for finding survivors, as rescue operations are ongoing. Reports suggest that numerous individuals are injured, but specific numbers remain unverified. Local media indicate that dozens may have suffered injuries. More than 370 rescue workers are actively searching for victims amid fears of those still trapped, with some reportedly calling for help from the rubble. President Luis Abinader stated on X that the government is closely monitoring the situation and emphasized continuous support from rescue teams. He extended condolences to the affected families, stating that all necessary assistance is being provided. The nightclub, popular for hosting weekly events, did not release information on attendance figures at the time of the collapse.

The Dominican Republic's aggressive deportation policy has resulted in significant human rights violations, according to activists and deported individuals. Since President Luis Abinader ordered the deportation of at least 10,000 immigrants weekly last October, reports of home raids, racial profiling, and mistreatment of vulnerable individuals have surged. More than 31,200 Haitian migrants were deported in January alone, with over 250,000 deported last year, according to human rights organizations. Deportees arriving in Haiti detail harrowing experiences, such as unjust arrests and lack of due process. Activists highlight the plight of unaccompanied minors and breastfeeding mothers among those being forced to leave. Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Dominican migration director, defended the policy, stating it is necessary to manage the overwhelming number of undocumented immigrants and called on Haiti's leadership to restore order. However, human rights advocates argue that the treatment of Haitians reflects a severe disregard for dignity and legal rights, exacerbating the already dire conditions in Haiti, which is grappling with gang violence and a humanitarian crisis.