Migrant Crackdown in DR, Legal Victory for Venezuelans in US, and Trade Tensions with China
By Dacia Richards | HGP Nightly News – Wednesday Edition
Dominican Republic Cracks Down on Haitian Migrants in Hospitals
In a sweeping operation that has drawn international attention, Dominican authorities arrested 87 pregnant women and 48 children at public hospitals across the country as part of a new crackdown on undocumented Haitian migrants. No men were detained.
The controversial operation comes amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment and a firm migration policy spearheaded by President Luis Abinader, who has prioritized deportations since assuming office in 2020.
Under the new hospital protocol, medical staff must now request:
- ID documents
- Proof of employment
- Residence verification
- And payment for services received
The 54-kilometer wall along the Haiti-Dominican Republic border is also being extended as troop deployments increase, signaling continued tightening of border and immigration controls. Authorities stated that while emergency care will still be administered, illegal migrants will be deported immediately after.
US Judge Rules in Favor of Venezuelan Migrants
In the United States, a Colorado federal judge has ruled that Venezuelan migrants detained under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act must receive a 21-day deportation notice and the right to legal counsel in a language they understand.
The case stems from concerns about the Trump administration’s use of wartime-era immigration laws to fast-track deportations without due process.
Judge Charlotte Sweeney expressed skepticism over the administration’s initial plan to give only 24 hours notice, stating it fell short of constitutional protections and Supreme Court guidance.
The ruling reinforces broader legal efforts across the US to ensure migrants are given adequate time to challenge removals through the judicial system.
US-China Trade War: De-escalation Ahead?
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at a possible de-escalation of the ongoing trade war with China, labeling the current tariff battle “unsustainable”. Speaking at a private event hosted by JP Morgan Chase, Bessent revealed that formal negotiations between the US and China have yet to begin, but signaled hope for a reset.
“Tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods and 125% on US exports are driving up inflation, spooking markets, and stalling growth,” Bessent noted.
The S&P 500 surged following news of the remarks, reflecting investor optimism that a rollback on trade barriers may soon be on the table. Despite this, former President Donald Trump has not indicated any intention to end the baseline 10% tariff, even as international counterparts lobby for relief.
