Expulsions of Haitians: "My responsibility begins at the frontier," Luis Abinader tells TRT World

Asked about the mass expulsion of Haitians, including pregnant women and children, Dominican President Luis Abinader answered: "My responsibility begins at the frontier." That is the account of journalist Ghida Fakhry, who interviewed him for Bigger Than Five, the program she hosts on Turkey's TRT World, released in late October 2026.

The interview, about 34 minutes long, was recorded in Rome during the president's official visit to Italy, according to the Dominican outlet Pincel Digital. Abinader was there from October 11 to 16 for the FAO's World Food Forum and an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, according to the Dominican presidency.

A migration policy defended

According to TRT World's summary, the president defends his government's hardline immigration policy and says his priority is protecting the interests of Dominican citizens. He also backs the new UN-supported security force in Haiti, while admitting he cannot guarantee it will bring peace. He calls for a stronger international security presence against the gangs.

The remarks come as expulsions continue at a high pace. The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) said it removed 67,940 undocumented people across the border with Haiti in January and February 2026 alone.

The interview also covers democracy in the region, relations with the United States and the fight against hunger. In July, the FAO announced that the Dominican Republic had reached the "zero hunger" level.