A Dominican man, Batista Matos, has been deported from the United States after being wanted in his home country for human smuggling that led to the deaths of three minors. Matos, 36, was sent back to the Dominican Republic on an ICE flight from Miami, marking his fifth deportation.
Matos was first deported in 2010 after U.S. Border Patrol agents found him near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, where he had entered illegally. Since then, he has been removed multiple times, with ICE noting previous deportations in 2011, 2019, and 2023. His latest arrest occurred in September 2024 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, following a warrant issued by Dominican authorities related to a deadly smuggling operation.
Upon his return to Santo Domingo, Matos was met by local law enforcement and taken into custody. ICE officials emphasized the importance of their work with international partners to remove individuals wanted for serious crimes in their home countries. Acting Field Office Director Juan Lopez Vega stated that efforts like this help keep communities safer.
Matos’s case highlights ongoing concerns about human trafficking and smuggling in the region. His repeated deportations reflect the challenges authorities face in managing illegal immigration and ensuring accountability for criminal activities.