Dominican Business Leader in Puerto Rico Calls on Abinader to Address ICE Abuse Claims

A Dominican business leader in Puerto Rico is asking President Abinader to speak out about reported abuses of Dominicans by ICE.

Dominican business leader Rubén Suriel Gómez has asked Dominican President Luis Abinader to publicly address reports of mistreatment, arbitrary detentions and possible civil rights violations against Dominicans on the island, attributed to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Suriel Gómez, who heads the Sector Externo in Puerto Rico, expressed concern about the climate of insecurity he says these actions are creating among working families. He warned that the effects also reach the economic stability of the Dominican community in Puerto Rico and the remittances sent to the Dominican Republic.

As part of his proposal, he asked the president to promote, through Banco de Reservas or another institution, a small-loan program for deported entrepreneurs. The aim is for them to use the work experience gained in Puerto Rico to start their own businesses in the Dominican Republic, generate income and reduce the need to emigrate again.

He also called on the Puerto Rico representatives of the Partido Reformista Social Cristiano, Fuerza del Pueblo, PLD, PRM and PRD, as well as overseas deputy Adelys Olivares, to join their voices in defense of the community's rights and dignity.

He further announced that he will soon convene representatives of the commercial and religious sectors to draft a joint document to be delivered to ICE leadership. According to him, the initiative seeks to channel community concerns and promote a coordinated response to the reported abuses.