Dominican Opposition Criticises US Deal To Accept Third-Country Deportees

Opposition leaders in the Dominican Republic opposition have criticised a newly signed non-binding memorandum of understanding with the United States allowing the Caribbean nation to temporarily receive third-country deportees , warning that the agreement lacks transparency and may undermine national sovereignty .

The agreement, announced by the Dominican Foreign Ministry , permits the temporary entry of a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals who are being deported from the United States, before they are returned to their countries of origin. Officials said the arrangement is part of broader cooperation on migration management.

The deal forms part of a wider set of agreements pursued under the US administration’s immigration crackdown policy , which includes increasing efforts to deport migrants to countries other than their own, often referred to as “third-country deportations.” Similar arrangements have been reached with several countries in Latin America and Africa, where governments agree often in exchange for financial or diplomatic cooperation to receive deportees.

Opposition figure Manolo Pichardo of the Fuerza del Pueblo party described the agreement as a “surrender of sovereignty,” arguing that it places Dominican interests beneath external geopolitical priorities. Former foreign minister Andrés Navarro also raised concerns over what he called a lack of transparency, urging the government to publish the full text of the memorandum so citizens can understand its scope and legal implications.

The Dominican Foreign Ministry defended the deal, stating it will be implemented in accordance with national law and international obligations and will not modify existing immigration policy or border management procedures. Authorities also clarified that the agreement excludes children and Haitian nationals.

US Ambassador Leah Campos said the arrangement would allow the United States to more efficiently remove and repatriate third-country nationals while still respecting Dominican sovereignty. She added that bilateral cooperation also supports efforts to combat transnational crime and drug trafficking , counter terrorism, and strengthen regional stability and security.