Dominican Republic Starts Construction of Haiti Border Wall

Dominican Republic soldiers keep watch near the construction of a border wall that will cover almost half of the border with Haiti to stop illegal immigration and criminal activities in Abanico, in Dajabon Province, Dominican Republic, on Feb. 20, 2022. Fran Afonso/Reuters

The Dominican Republic is constructing a wall that will stretch around 122 miles along its border with Haiti, in an effort to reduce illegal border crossings and the smuggling of goods, weapons, and drugs.

Dominican President Luis Abinader said the wall, which will cover almost half of the 244-mile border with Haiti, will help fight organized crime in both nations. Haiti is the only land neighboring the Dominican Republic, and both countries are located on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.