In a move said intended to strengthen regional security cooperation, the Dominican government has granted a temporary extension allowing the United States military to access, park, and overfly Dominican territory. These operations are centered at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) and the San Isidro Air Base, situated in the province of Santo Domingo, under the framework of the “Shield of the Americas” (Escudo de las Américas) agreement.
The legal and diplomatic implications of the move have drawn scrutiny from observers. For several experts in international law, this extension does not violate national sovereignty, as it represents a standard extension of an existing bilateral agreement between sovereign states.
Regional security and strategic cooperation
This cooperation is part of a broader regional security agenda. The Dominican government links these operations to the ongoing fight against drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, and terrorism. Furthermore, the collaboration aims to modernize border and airport control mechanisms.
For Noticias SIN, attorney José Miguel Vázquez commented on the legal validity of the arrangement, indicating that as long as the agreements respect state sovereignty, there are no issues with the cooperation. Vázquez established that these are normal collaborations between nations maintaining active diplomatic relations.
Historical context and logistical support
This extension follows a precedent set in 13 November 2025, when the Dominican government initially authorized the use of restricted spaces at the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport. That authorization provided permission for logistical support, fueling and refueling operations and the transfer of US technical equipment and personnel.
The 2025 agreement was solidified following a visit to the country by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Debate over third-country nationals
Parallel to the military cooperation, another international matter has captured headlines: a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the temporary and exceptional entry of a limited number of third-country nationals into Dominican territory.
This memorandum has sparked a heated debate among legal experts. Some argue that the measure violates existing immigration laws, while others maintain that it does not. Under the terms of the MoU, it is specified that these individuals will enter the Dominican Republic strictly “in transit” and must not have any criminal records.
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CDN
13 May 2026