Dominican Republic Graduates 162 New Migration Agents

The Dominican Republic's General Directorate of Migration (DGM) has graduated 162 new Rapid Reaction Agents (ARR) in Santiago, marking a significant expansion of its interdiction capabilities. These agents underwent approximately three months of intensive training, covering migration law, human rights, operational procedures, physical preparedness, professional ethics, and inter-institutional work.

During the ceremony, Migration Director General Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester announced that this cohort brings the institution's total number of agents and auxiliary staff to 1,187. Of these, 1,071 are assigned to interdiction operations, and 116 focus on intelligence gathering. Lee Ballester stated that the new agents would begin interdiction operations immediately, emphasizing adherence to due process and respect for human rights.

The graduating agents hail from various provinces, including Monseñor Nouel, La Vega, Sánchez Ramírez, María Trinidad Sánchez, Samaná, Puerto Plata, Santiago Rodríguez, Montecristi, Dajabón, and Santiago. The DGM has reportedly strengthened its operational capacity significantly, with Lee Ballester highlighting that this recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation model is a new development for the institution. He also reported that the DGM has deported over 700,000 foreigners through operations conducted nationwide, in compliance with the General Migration Law and with biometric registration.