DGM clarifies incident that occurred during a operational control migratory in the sector Sabana Perdida, in Santo Domingo Norte, after the dissemination of several videos on social networks that showed a confrontation between civilians and migratory agents.
DGM clarifies incident and holds aggressors responsible
According to the official version, the General Directorate of Migration reported that the fact originated when owners and people linked to a food business in the Barrio Nuevo neighborhood, in Sabana Perdida, reacted violently to an inspection on the migratory situation of foreign workers.
The institution indicated that the agents were attacked with bladed weapons, blunt objects, and stones, which would have put their physical integrity at risk and forced them to respond immediately to protect themselves. In accordance with Migration, there was coordination with other authorities present in the area and the incident occurred in front of a detachment of the National Police.
DGM clarifies incident within the framework of Law 285-04
In its statement, the DGM highlighted that the operation was carried out under the General Migration Law 285-04, particularly in articles 6 and 107, which authorize the institution to inspect establishments and workplaces where foreign citizens work. These operations are part of the regular controls that the entity carries out in different areas of the Greater Santo Domingo.
The institution maintained that the agents acted in legitimate defense against the aggression, and reiterated that those who attacked the personnel will be submitted to justice for the events that occurred in Sabana Perdida.
DGM clarifies incident and announces internal investigation
In addition to holding the aggressors responsible, Migration announced that it had opened an internal investigation to determine if during the operation there were any excesses by some member of its personnel. The entity assured that, if individual responsibilities were confirmed, sanctions would be applied in accordance with the current disciplinary regulations.
This type of internal investigation has become more frequent in recent years, in the midst of a context of greater public scrutiny of migratory operations and the use of force by authorities.
Context of migratory control operations
The General Directorate of Migration recalled that it carries out periodic migratory control operations in urban sectors where foreign labor is concentrated, especially in informal commerce, industrial areas, and areas in expansion of the Greater Santo Domingo.
Human rights organizations have pointed out on previous occasions the need for these operations to be developed with clear protocols, presence of supervisors, and respect for the dignity of the people being verified, while the authorities have insisted on their obligation to enforce the law and guarantee public order.
DGM clarifies incident and reiterates zero tolerance for violence
The DGM reiterated that it will not tolerate acts of violence against its agents during the exercise of their functions and called on the population to allow inspections when it comes to official inspections. At the same time, it emphasized that the members of the institution are obliged to comply with the law and internal regulations.
With this statement, DGM clarifies incident in Sabana Perdida, seeks to establish its institutional position in the face of the disseminated videos and bets on the internal investigation and the eventual submission of those involved to clarify the events in full. The way DGM clarifies incident and its results could influence public perception of the actions of migratory authorities and the confidence that, when DGM clarifies incident of this nature, there is effective internal control and consequences for those who violate the regulations, whether civilians or state agents.
