The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) started the year with force by detaining 837 irregular foreigners and deporting 686 to their countries of origin. These actions, carried out on Thursday, January 1, respond to the General Migration Law No. 285-04 and seek to regularize the migratory flow throughout the national territory.
Major incidents in Greater Santo Domingo and border areas
The detentions of irregular foreigners were concentrated in Greater Santo Domingo and the Central Polygon, with 141 cases in areas such as Villa Mella, Los Alcarrizos, Los Mameyes, and Cristo Rey. Other highlighted regions include Hato Mayor–El Seibo (67), Independencia–Jimaní (63), La Altagracia–La Romana (53, with a focus on Bávaro and Verón) and Montecristi (50, in Villa Vásquez and El Vigilante).
In the Eastern Zone, operations covered Benerito, La Romana, Bávaro, Verón, and La Ceiba. The northwest saw interventions in Villa Elisa, El Vigilante, Villa Vásquez, and El Pósito. In Barahona, action was taken in Vicente Noble, Fondo Negro, Las Minas, Quita Coraza, Jaquimeyes, Habanero, Batey Algodón, and El Peñón. Puerto Plata recorded actions in San Felipe, El Cupey, La Vigía, Sabana del Coroso, and San Marcos.
Details of the detentions and deportation of irregular foreigners
Of the 837 irregular foreigners apprehended, 709 were detained directly by DGM agents, while 128 were handed over by security forces: Army (94), National Police (29), and Cesfront (5). The deportation of 686 was processed at border posts such as Dajabón, Elías Piña, Jimaní, and Pedernales.
Historical context and permanent operations
These efforts form part of a continuous strategy. In 2025, the DGM reported thousands of similar detentions, with peaks in tourist and border areas, according to previous official data. Experts in migration highlight that the Law 285-04 has strengthened control since its promulgation in 2004, reducing irregular flows by 20% annually on average, based on government reports. The DGM emphasizes permanent and focused operations to preserve national security and public order, in coordination with the Army and Police.
- Strengths: Greater detection in hotspots like Greater Santo Domingo.
- Challenges: Increase in Haitian migration due to neighboring crisis, according to regional analysis.
- Impact: Strengthening of migratory control in 2026.
The DGM reiterates its commitment to actions against irregular foreigners, guaranteeing legal compliance and inter-institutional collaboration for effective migratory control.
