Haiti and the Dominican Republic together make up the island of Hispaniola. Theirs has been a history splintered with xenophobia, colorism and violence that has seethed into the present day. Haiti’s government said its farmers need the water to grow crops, while Mr. Abinader claims it will divert water needed by Dominican farmers. The border closures reinforced the dangerous nativist Dominican rhetoric Mr. Abinader and his government have deployed in their efforts to contain Haitian immigration. Claims that Haitians are invading have led to the banning of Haitians from public transit, mass deportations and, reportedly, looting of Haitian-owned residences.

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Persons: Luis Abinader, Abinader Locations: Haiti, Dominican Republic, Hispaniola, Rio Massacre, Dominican, Haitian