Dominican Republic’s Mass Deportation of Haitians: A Crisis Fueled by Misguided Policy

Between October 2024 and July 2025, the Dominican Republic deported an astonishing total of 291,007 undocumented Haitian migrants, a scale of forced repatriation that reveals much about the challenges—and failures—of managing immigration in a way that balances security with humanity.Under President Luis Abinader’s administration, over 11,000 troops have been deployed along the border, reflecting a militarized approach to migration control. This is part of a broader strategy funded with approximately $11.7 million dedicated to detaining, screening, and expelling undocumented migrants. The Dominican government has justified these actions as necessary to curb illegal crossings and protect national sovereignty.Is Security Justifying Inhumane...