The Dominican Republic apprehends women and children amid a crackdown.

The Dominican Republic has detained over 130 Haitian women and children in Santo Domingo’s hospitals on the initial day of a crackdown targeting undocumented migrants, according to reports. On Monday, many of the women apprehended were either expecting or had recently given birth. This action is part of the government’s initiative to deport up to 10,000 undocumented individuals weekly in an effort to curb migration from neighboring Haiti. However, President Luis Abinader’s administration has faced criticism for its strict treatment of Haitian migrants, many of whom are seeking refuge from severe gang violence and economic hardships in Port-au-Prince. The immigration department asserted that the women were provided with “dignified treatment” following their transfer to a detention center, where their biometric data was collected. A Haitian woman who accompanied a pregnant friend to the hospital expressed concern that the government’s actions might create uncertainty for expectant mothers in need of medical care. She noted that complications could arise for women who have recently given birth or require C-section without immediate medical assistance. The authorities have stated that medical treatment will be provided, and undocumented mothers will eventually be repatriated. Haiti has been experiencing an influx of individuals crossing the border with the Dominican Republic to escape violence and poverty, with the latter initiating the deportation of over 80,000 individuals to Haiti in the first three months of the year. President Abinader’s government has also expressed frustration with the international community’s lack of action in stabilizing Haiti.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8egxlxz5po