President Abinader delivers 60 vehicles to increase operations. He leads the inauguration of 160 new agents for interdictions.
SANTO DOMINGO – President Luis Abinader led the graduation of the first class of 160 rapid-reaction immigration interdiction agents and delivered 60 vans to strengthen the detention and deportation operations of illegal aliens carried out by the General Directorate of Immigration (DGM) throughout the country.
At the inauguration of the new generation of agents prepared to strengthen the operational capacity and fulfill the plans and objectives of the DGM, its head, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, ARD, who finished the main speech, said that with this act, an intense, demanding and transformative training process culminates for young people who "in addition to preparation in the technical and operational aspects to confront the problem of irregular immigration, have also been trained in the ethical values and patriotic vision that will guide their work."
The senior military official explained that the country has become an attractive destination for immigrants, a situation that has worsened in the last three years due to the crisis in Haiti, which has prompted many people to try to settle in the Dominican Republic.
He stated that the DGM is undergoing significant changes to address the presence of undocumented foreigners, "which is already spreading throughout the country and requires a sustainable repatriation program."
Lee Ballester added that the new rapid response agents will be deployed immediately in Greater Santo Domingo, the Reception Centers, and in the provinces where appropriate.
"They will operate with capacities that have been acquired with their own resources, and the transportation units received from President Luis Abinader, which are 60 vans, to which 50 trucks will soon be added for the transportation and transfer of people in irregular migratory status and eight (8) buses for the transportation of women, children, girls and accompanied adolescents," he said.
The inauguration ceremony was held in one of the halls of the Ministry of Defense. Also present at the main table were the ministers: Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, ERD, of Defense; Faride Raful, of Interior and Police; Roberto Alvarez, of Foreign Affairs; and Andrés Bautista García, Administrative Officer of the Presidency.
Also occupying the table of honor were members of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the commanders of the Dominican Army, Major General Jorge Iván Camino Pérez, ERD; of the Dominican Navy, Vice Admiral Agustín Morillo Rodríguez, ARD; and of the Dominican Air Force, Major General Pilot Floreal T. Suárez, FARD. Also in attendance were Major General Rafael Vásquez Espínola, rector of the National University for Defense "General Juan Pablo Duarte y Díez," and Major General Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta, director general of the National Police, among other civilian and military authorities.
The ceremony was blessed by Father José Beato; Retired General Franklin Antonio Garris Peralta described the training program for the new rapid reaction officers; and Nathalie Rocha Méndez, representing the class, gave the words of thanks.
The trucks were delivered at the MIDE heliport, and President Abinader Corona handed the keys over to Vice Admiral Lee Ballester. He then handed the vehicles over to Colonel Manuel Antonio Carrasco, Director of Immigration Control at the DGM, with instructions to immediately begin using them in interdiction operations.
THE NEW INTERDICTION AGENTS
The new officers received comprehensive training that included military training, field instruction, shooting practice, and handling of non-lethal weapons, ensuring an efficient and proportional tactical response to any risky situation that may arise during operations.
In keeping with the principles of respect for life and human integrity, the officers were also trained in first aid, emergency care and response, and rescue protocols, which empowers them not only to act firmly but also with humanity.
One of the fundamental pillars of this training was teaching about human rights, with special emphasis on respect and dignified treatment of pregnant women, older adults, and the special protection of children in irregular migration situations.
This preparation sought to ensure that each intervention is based on the application of Law 285-04, in accordance with the national security and immigration order strategies promoted by President Abinader.
In addition, the agents received basic training in Creole, with the goal of facilitating communication with Haitians during interdiction proceedings, who constitute the largest immigrant population in the country.
With these new rapid reaction agents, the DGM reaffirms its mission of implementing a firm, orderly, and humane immigration policy, aimed at safeguarding national security and sovereignty.
Communications Directorate
