In a rare enforcement action against non-Haitian irregular migration, the Dominican Republic Army (ERD) intercepted seven Chinese nationals during a targeted operation in the northwest province of Montecristi.
The group was apprehended by soldiers stationed at the Hatillo Palma outpost. Working in coordination with S-2 intelligence officers, military personnel flagged and stopped a gray Chevrolet Captiva (license plate G736126) for inspection.
Following a field verification of their immigration status, the seven individuals were taken to the headquarters of the 4th Infantry Brigade. Authorities confirmed that the group entered the country illegally, though the specific route. Whether they came by sea or across the land border from Haiti, remains under investigation.
The ERD has since transferred the detainees to the Migration Agency (DGM) to begin formal deportation proceedings. The vehicle used in the transport was also seized as evidence.
While the majority of migration enforcement in the Dominican border regions involves Haitian nationals, this “unusual” operation highlights an increasing trend of transcontinental smuggling routes passing through the Caribbean.
“The Army remains committed to supporting state institutions in preserving public order, national security, and the strict enforcement of migration laws throughout our territory,” the ERD stated in an official release.
The operation follows a string of recent successes for the 4th Brigade, which also recently reported a major seizure of 270,000 smuggled cigarettes in the neighboring Dajabón province.
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18 December 2025