SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, – The Army of the Dominican Republic (ERD) has dismantled an alleged network involved in trafficking undocumented Haitian migrants in the southern region. The operation took place in the community of Las Guanábanas, located in the southern town of Azua. During the operation, the suspected ringleader and several individuals connected to the trafficking network were arrested. The ERD’s action is part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking in the region.
The police report that Felix Leonardo Alcantara Severino, known as ‘Leonel’ or ‘El Presidente’, the alleged leader of the group, was arrested while escorting a bus carrying 70 undocumented Haitians.
The operation, conducted on the weekend, included the capture of other Dominicans linked to the case.
During the operation, authorities also located a Mercedes Benz GLE 450, allegedly used in previous smuggling operations.
The army said the detainees will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for prosecution, while the seized vehicles and the undocumented Haitians were transferred to the 13th Infantry Battalion of the ERD.
At least half a million Haitians live in the Dominican Republic where they work principally in agriculture and construction. Fleeing the poverty of their homeland, they undertake poorly paid and arduous jobs that most Dominicans are unwilling to do.
Due to their often undocumented status, Haitian migrants face challenges accessing basic rights like healthcare and education. There is a history of anti-Haitian discrimination in the Dominican Republic, leading to reports of mistreatment and harassment of Haitian migrants.
The Dominican government has been known to carry out large-scale deportations of Haitian migrants, which human rights groups criticize as discriminatory. Activists say the deportations put the lives of thousands at risk.
A U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police that began earlier this year to try to quell gang violence is facing a lack of funds and personnel.
 has dismantled an alleged network involved in trafficking undocumented Haitian migrants){kind=link}