Immigration Raids Reshape Daily Life in Puerto Rico's Dominican Enclave

Since January 2025, ICE has conducted multiple raids in Puerto Rico, focusing on the Dominican community. According to ICE, about 75% of those arrested have been Dominican nationals. These raids have taken place in various locations, including workplaces and residential areas, leading to accusations of racial profiling.

The Impact on the Community:

The raids have transformed Barrio Obrero, a historically lively Dominican neighborhood in San Juan. Many businesses have seen a sharp decline in customers, and community members are hesitant to participate in social activities. This has created a sense of isolation and fear within the community.

Accusations of Racial Profiling:

Advocates like Jose Rodriguez of the Dominican Human Rights Committee argue that ICE agents are targeting individuals based on their race and accent. They claim that agents have been stopping groups of Black people and demanding to see their papers, leading to the detention of legal residents who were not carrying their documents.

ICE's Response:

Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos, a top ICE official in Puerto Rico, denies the allegations of racial profiling. She asserts that ICE operates based on intelligence and arrest warrants, not on race or accent. Gonzalez-Ramos explains that the high number of Dominican arrests is due to the fact that Dominicans are the largest foreign-born population on the island.

Community Response and Support:

In response to the raids, organizations like the ACLU of Puerto Rico are providing legal assistance to those affected. Churches and medical professionals are also offering support, with doctors making house calls to those who are afraid to seek medical care.

How to Prepare:

Who This Affects Most:

The raids disproportionately affect the Dominican community in Puerto Rico, particularly those without legal status. However, they also impact legal residents and U.S. citizens who are perceived as being Dominican.

Why are immigration raids happening in Puerto Rico?

The raids are part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws and deport undocumented immigrants.

Are the raids targeting a specific community?

While ICE denies targeting any specific community, the majority of those arrested have been Dominican nationals, leading to concerns about racial profiling.

What should I do if an ICE agent stops me?

Remain calm, ask if you are free to leave, and if not, ask for the reason for your detention. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

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