The Government of the Dominican Republic has contracted U.S.-based consulting firm DGA Group Government Relations under a one-year, no-competition contract managed by the Ministry of the Presidency. The firm is tasked with providing advisory services on security, immigration, drug and human trafficking, and human rights.
The consultancy’s proposal primarily focuses on improving the Dominican Republic’s international image, especially in relation to the ongoing Haitian migration crisis, and aims to strengthen ties with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
This development comes amid mounting international criticism over the country’s deportation practices, particularly concerning Haitian women who are pregnant or nursing. It also coincides with government efforts to negotiate the removal of a 10 percent U.S. tariff on Dominican exports.
The Dominican Republic has drastically increased deportations of Haitian nationals, repatriating 119,003 individuals between January and April 2025, marking a staggering 71% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
In April alone, the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) repatriated 32,540 Haitian citizens with irregular immigration status. The largest number of irregular migrants detained were in Santo Domingo (5,343), Altagracia (4,518), and Santiago (2,708). During that month, 737 interdiction operations were conducted, averaging 25 daily.
This surge follows a National Security Council decision in October 2024 to fast-track the detention and deportation of irregular migrants. Between October 2024 and April 2025, 213,580 individuals were repatriated to Haiti, with a monthly average of 30,511 deportations — up from a monthly average of 20,245 deportations during January to September 2024.
Monthly deportation figures for 2025 reflect the intensification of these efforts:
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January: 31,221 deported (compared to 18,284 in 2024)
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February: 26,659 deported (compared to 13,058 in 2024)
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March: 28,583 deported (compared to 17,002 in 2024)
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April: 32,540 deported (compared to 21,229 in 2024)
To support this scale-up, the DGM has expanded its operational capacity, recruiting 160 new immigration agents who have completed training, with an additional 455 trainees in progress. The agency has also renovated its vehicle fleet to enhance deportation operations.
The contract with DGA Group reflects the Dominican Republic’s desire to manage international perceptions of these migration policies while addressing related issues of security, drug trafficking, and human rights.
