SANTO DOMINGO.- The Director General of Migration announced the creation of a special team trained under new standards of conduct that, within the framework of respect for the dignity of people and human rights, will apply the correct response to those who physically attack immigration agents when they are carrying out interdiction operations in different parts of the country.
Vice Admiral Luis R. Lee Ballester, ARD, explained that these agents will be trained in self-defense, regulated use of force and rules of conduct, to deter and, if necessary, respond to threats received by those who exercise violence and attack them while they are in the performance of their duties. They will be integrated into all groups that carry out interdiction actions.
The high-ranking military officer and head of the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) made the announcement when referring to the recurring and worrying attacks by people who resist immigration checks. He stated that since last October, when interdiction operations have increased, there have been numerous cases of attacks on the acting agents by immigrants in an irregular condition.
He listed attacks with firearms, knives, hammers, shears, glass, stones and even attempts to run over immigration agents with vehicles, which is why it has been decided to reinforce preventive actions and deterrence, in order to avoid conflict situations and disrespect for immigration authorities.
He said that in these events more than a dozen immigration agents have been injured and bruised to varying degrees of severity and that the aggressors have been arrested and brought to justice. Vehicle windows and other property of the institution have also been broken.
“We urge you to respect our staff; they know the rules of conduct that apply to them. The Dominican Republic is a State of Law, with an established institutional order.
At the DGM we fulfill our responsibility to work for peace, political, social and economic stability and the integrity of the national territory,” he said.
Communications Department
