Dominican Republic News

A surge in immigration enforcement in the Dominican Republic has led to severe human rights violations against Haitian migrants, particularly in Punta Cana, according to reports from EL PAÍS. With the government's policy tightening since early April, undocumented individuals like Ruth, a Haitian woman, described experiencing sexual violence as a means to avoid deportation. She and others have been victimized while trying to conceal their status amid rising raids, with 14,874 deportations occurring in just the first twelve days of April. Guadalupe Valdez from the Migration and Human Rights Collective criticized the government’s approach, suggesting it has prioritized populist measures over solutions to the migration reality. This crackdown is not only a humanitarian crisis but also threatens vital sectors like tourism and construction, where Haitian workers form an essential labor force. Industry leaders warn that without this workforce, many projects could come to a halt. Despite pushback, President Luis Abinader insists that stricter immigration policies are necessary for national identity and security, raising concerns about potential ethnic cleansing in the region.

In a troubling escalation of immigration policies, the Dominican Republic faces increasing human rights violations against Haitian migrants, according to reports from EL PAÍS. Following President Luis Abinader's April announcement of stricter immigration measures, including deportations and heightened law enforcement presence, stories have emerged of sexual violence against undocumented women used as leverage to prevent deportation. Ruth, an anonymous testimony shared with the outlet, described horrific experiences with immigration agents, as fears among the Haitian community spike. Since the new policies took effect, public hospitals and construction sites have become targets for raids, resulting in significant deportations. In April alone, nearly 15,000 individuals were expelled, with the total deported in 2024 surpassing 276,000. Guadalupe Valdez from the Migration and Human Rights Collective criticized the government's approach, stating it panders to conservative sentiments while disregarding migration as a reality. Activists warn these policies also jeopardize vital economic sectors, with an overwhelming reliance on Haitian labor in construction and agriculture. Critics argue the measures reflect a growing apartheid-like regime against Haitians, exacerbating an existing humanitarian crisis.

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.

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by Stephen Gougeon, a Canadian, against the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham Resort in the Dominican Republic after his wife, April, and their eight-year-old son, Oliver, died from complications related to food poisoning. According to the lawsuit, which seeks nearly $7 million, the family fell ill shortly after dining at the resort's buffet in late December. Gougeon stated that both his wife and son were hospitalized and passed away within 24 hours of their arrival. A coroner's report cited secondary causes related to food poisoning as their official cause of death. The lawsuit accuses the resort of failing to maintain sanitary food preparation standards and providing inadequate medical assistance. "These delays cost precious time that could have been used to treat our illness," Gougeon lamented. Air Transat, another defendant in the case, expressed deep sadness over the incident but denied the allegations. Both Wyndham Hotels and Air Transat have been called to respond to the claims in court.

The U.S. government has seized a Dassault Falcon 200 aircraft belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's administration, announced U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 6, 2025, at La Isabela International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The seized plane was linked to a state-owned oil company under U.S. sanctions, and the Justice Department authorized the action based on investigations revealing the aircraft was bought in 2017 in the U.S. and serviced with American parts. According to State Department officials, the seizure required Rubio to waive a $230,000 financial hold imposed by President Donald Trump on foreign aid. This is the second plane seized from Maduro; the first was confiscated in September 2024. The recent action follows a meeting in Caracas where a Trump envoy discussed the repatriation of detained Americans, both events highlighting the escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas amid ongoing sanctions against the Venezuelan government.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio supervised the seizure of a Venezuelan government aircraft in the Dominican Republic on Thursday. This action is part of ongoing efforts to pressure Nicolás Maduro's administration, which has faced international sanctions due to human rights abuses and corruption. The plane's confiscation highlights the United States' commitment to countering Maduro's regime, as Rubio himself was present during the operation. Officials noted that this event underscores the collaboration between the U.S. and regional allies in addressing Venezuela's political crisis. The Dominican Republic and the United States have maintained a cooperative relationship in shedding light on and combatting illicit activities linked to the Venezuelan government. As tensions continue to rise in the region, further actions against Maduro's assets may be anticipated. This development follows a series of sanctions implemented by the U.S. aimed at crippling Maduro’s economic resources and supporting democratic efforts in Venezuela, according to diplomatic sources.

The Trump administration is set to seize a Dassault Falcon 200 owned by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which is currently located in the Dominican Republic. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will make the announcement during his visit to Santo Domingo on Thursday, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter and a State Department document. The operation follows the approval of a foreign aid freeze waiver to cover over $230,000 in storage fees for the plane, which has been used by Maduro and top aides for international travel. This seizure is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions against Maduro's government, which the administration alleges engages in sanctions violations. Notably, this comes shortly after President Trump’s special envoy visited Caracas to discuss the repatriation of detained Americans. The U.S. previously seized another of Maduro's planes, valued at $13 million, in September 2024, as part of a continuing crackdown on his government’s financial operations.

A Canadian man has filed a $10 million civil lawsuit against a Dominican Republic resort following the deaths of his wife and eight-year-old son due to alleged food poisoning. Stephen Gougeon, who filed the claim in Ontario Superior Court, alleges negligence on the part of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Air Transat, according to reports from The New York Post. The Gougeon family traveled from Toronto to the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham Resort just after Christmas in December 2023. On December 29, the family, after dining at the resort's buffet, fell violently ill. Stephen stated that their initial call for medical assistance was denied, despite the family's critical condition (CTV reported). After further pleas for help, medical staff arrived but were slow to respond, according to Stephen. The family was taken to a nearby hospital, where both his wife, April, 41, and son, Oliver, succumbed to secondary complications related to food poisoning. Stephen expressed disappointment over the resort’s inadequate emergency response protocols in his statement.

As gang violence escalates in Haiti, many Haitian mothers are seeking medical care in the Dominican Republic, attributing their choice to the deteriorating healthcare situation in their homeland. Cineas Lionne, a mother who recently gave birth in the Dominican Republic, voiced her distrust in Haitian hospitals, stating, “I don't think I would receive good care because of the government situation.” The United Nations reported that less than 25% of hospitals near Port-au-Prince are operational, with increasing violence impacting both healthcare workers and patients. A recent spike in violence included attacks on journalists at a public hospital, leading to the postponement of a planned reopening of medical facilities. Health care access in the Dominican Republic, while preferable for many Haitians, comes with risks. The Dominican government has deported over 200,000 Haitians in 2024, continuing to enforce strict immigration policies that put expectant mothers at risk of detention. Local authorities aim to manage the influx by deporting up to 10,000 individuals weekly. Haitian women often avoid prenatal checkups due to the fear of deportation, frequently arriving at Dominican hospitals in dire situations. The healthcare desires of these mothers clash with the political and social tensions that divide Haiti and the Dominican Republic.