Members of the Dominican Armada naval intelligence have arrested 82 Haitians (66 men and 16 women) and three Dominican boat captains who were planning an illegal boat crossing to Puerto Rico. The Haitians are encouraged by facilities introduced by the United States authorities in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake for Haitians who reach US territory, as reported in El Nacional. The arrests were made on Saona Island and Soco River in San Pedro de Macoris before the would-be travelers boarded the boats. The operation was headed by M-2 commander, Navy Captain Victor Manuel Reyes Pilier. The Navy seized one 32-foot boat and one 25-foot boat.
The Navy says that since the measure was introduced by the US there has been an increase in the number of Haitians attempting the crossing via the Dominican Republic. The DR is also a transit point for Cubans headed to US territory.