The Dominican government is collaborating with the US Embassy for the repatriation of the corpse of US citizen Ellen Frances Hulett who died when detained by Migration authorities. The Tourism Police had taken the woman into custody on 22 June 2025 in Sabana de la Mar, eastern Hato Mayor province, after she showed signs of mental distress.
A press release from the Migration Agency explains the local authorities are collaborating with the US Embassy and the mother of the deceased woman.
Hulett would pass away on 23 June while under institutional supervision and receiving medical care, rthe Migration Agency reported in its press release on the case.
According to an official statement released Tuesday, 24 June 2025, Hulett’s case has been handled with what authorities describe as “the utmost institutional rigor,” ensuring respect for human rights and in close coordination with US diplomatic representatives and international organizations.
Hulett was detained on 22 April 2025 in Sabana de la Mar by officers from the Tourism Police. Authorities said she was found homeless, disoriented, and unable to identify herself, amid reports of alleged aggressive behavior. She was transferred to the Migration Agency, the agency responsible for overseeing the legal status of foreign nationals, to verify her identity and clarify her circumstances.
Upon her detention, migration authorities say protective and identification protocols were immediately activated. Over the following weeks, multiple interviews were conducted, during which Hulett reportedly exhibited severe communication difficulties, confusion, and symptoms of mental illness. She was evaluated by mental health professionals, diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, and placed under continuous medical supervision.
Due to her inability to self-identify and the failure of conventional identification methods, officials turned to advanced biometric tools, including facial recognition technology. This process ultimately confirmed her identity as US citizen Ellen Frances Hulett.
Officials emphasized that all actions taken adhered to principles of legality, humanitarian treatment, and international cooperation. Hulett was provided with dignified care, legal representation, interpreters, and consistent contact with US diplomats, who were coordinating efforts for her eventual repatriation.
On 23 June, during preparations for a routine medical procedure, health personnel found Hulett unresponsive and without vital signs. The National Institute of Forensic Sciences (Inacif), the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the Criminal Investigations Department (Dicrim) were immediately notified. Authorities report that her body showed no signs of violence and is currently undergoing autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
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Migration
26 June 2025