Lee Ballester highlights border reinforcement and warns of “zero tolerance” for destabilization attempts amid tension in Haiti

The Director General of Migration, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, assured that the Dominican authorities have strengthened controls in the five border provinces and warned that there is a “zero tolerance” policy regarding any attempt to destabilize the national territory, given the situation in Haiti and the operations in El Salvador to rescue four kidnapped compatriots.

He explained that the actions are part of the Armed Forces’ contingency plans and that they were addressed during a meeting with the Minister of Defense.

“Measures have been taken to strengthen controls,” stated Lee Ballester, who highlighted that an active operational offensive is being maintained in the border area.

He detailed that the efforts include the evaluation of the second line of defense, the monitoring of access routes, and the application of biometric procedures, as part of the surveillance and control measures.

“We are focused on everything related to the five border provinces, evaluating the second line of defense, and monitoring access routes,” he stated.

The vice admiral emphasized that the instructions are to act firmly against any action that could compromise the country’s stability.

“The margin here is zero tolerance regarding any attempt at destabilization in the national territory,” he maintained.

His statements add to those of the Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, who assured that more than 10,000 soldiers are guarding the border with Haiti, supported by armored vehicles, drones, and technological surveillance equipment.

Paliza also highlighted the construction and expansion of the border wall, and stated that the Government will continue to take the necessary measures to protect territorial integrity. “Everything that needs to be done from here into the future, we will do to safeguard the integrity of the national territory,” he expressed.

The focus on border security comes after the kidnapping of four Salvadoran military aviation technicians, who were ambushed on Sunday, October 18, in Santo, Croix-des-Bouquets, northeast of Port-au-Prince, while they were part of the international force contingent deployed in Haiti.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced an operation to rescue them and warned gangs that they would face a more forceful military response if they did not hand them over alive and unharmed.