Former Haitian mayor Rosemila Petit-Frère was arrested on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in the Dominican Republic, the country’s authorities confirmed Monday in a statement carried by Dominican media outlets.
The former mayor of Arcahaie, a municipality in Haiti’s Ouest department, was taken into custody for investigation upon her arrival in the Dominican Republic via Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata, on a flight from Canada. According to Dominican intelligence reports, she was suspected of carrying a large sum of money.
However, security checks conducted by various agencies revealed no cash in Petit-Frère’s possession. Authorities did find checks of various amounts, which prompted her transfer to Santo Domingo for further questioning and coordination of her handover to Haitian authorities, the General Directorate of Immigration (DGM) said in its statement.
In its statement, the DGM stressed that Rosemila Petit-Frère, owner of the Haitian media outlet Radio Télé Monopole, was treated “with respect” and that her safety was ensured. The agency said the measure was taken in strict application of Law 285-04, which strengthens migration control, preserves public order, and defends national sovereignty.
“Our actions are limited to compliance with the laws in force and cooperation with the competent authorities,” the DGM stated, without providing further details on the charges against the former mayor.
The arrest comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, particularly on issues related to border security and the fight against organized crime.
Last week, reports surfaced of a possible arrest of Presidential Councilor Smith Augustin at the Haitian-Dominican border. These claims, circulated by both Haitian and Dominican media, were denied by the authorities of both nations.
In a statement issued Thursday, August 7, the Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Migration said that Mr. Augustin entered Dominican territory on July 30 via the Dajabón border crossing, after the official closure of the binational gate. He was immediately received by Haiti’s Vice Consul Levaux Herns. However, due to the late hour, standard procedures could not be completed in line with Dominican migration protocols.
The following day, the DGM invited Augustin to regularize his status by completing the required administrative procedures, which he was able to do without difficulty, Dominican authorities clarified.
On the Haitian side, the Transitional Presidential Council issued a statement asserting that Smith Augustin was never arrested or questioned by Dominican authorities.
The statement sought to dispel rumors suggesting that Augustin had crossed the border irregularly and traveled to Santiago and later to Santo Domingo without prior immigration control.
These claims were dismissed by both parties, who emphasized that all legal procedures were followed during Augustin’s transit through Dominican territory.
As for the arrest of former Arcahaie mayor Rosemila Petit-Frère, Haitian authorities have not yet issued an official response.
