Unexpected Alliance Affects Alleged Trafficker’s Deportation Process

Police arresting person kneeling on pavement

ICE succeeds in deporting a five-time Dominican deportee wanted for human smuggling that led to the deaths of three minors, highlighting a critical international law enforcement partnership.

Key Takeaways

Edgar Batista Matos, a 36-year-old Dominican national, was deported for the fifth time by ICE after multiple illegal reentries since 2010.
Matos faces charges in the Dominican Republic for human smuggling operations that resulted in the deaths of three minors.
The successful deportation demonstrates effective collaboration between U.S. immigration authorities and Dominican law enforcement.
Matos was arrested in Puerto Rico in September 2024 based on a warrant issued by Dominican authorities.
ICE officials emphasized that removing criminal fugitives is a priority that enhances community safety both domestically and internationally.

Five-Time Deportee Finally Faces Justice

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully deported Edgar Batista Matos, a 36-year-old Dominican national wanted in his home country for human smuggling that resulted in the deaths of three minors. This marks the fifth time Matos has been removed from the United States, with previous deportations occurring in 2010, 2011, 2019, and 2023. The March 4 removal from Miami International Airport to Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo represents a significant achievement in cross-border law enforcement cooperation.

Matos’ pattern of illegal reentry began in 2010 when U.S. Border Patrol first apprehended him near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Despite repeated deportations, he continued to illegally enter the US. His most recent arrest occurred in September 2024 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, following the issuance of a warrant by Dominican authorities for his role in human smuggling operations. ICE held Matos in custody since February 6 before transferring him to Miami for his final removal.

International Cooperation Yields Results

The deportation highlights the critical role of international law enforcement partnerships in addressing cross-border criminal activities. ICE worked closely with the Dominican National Police to ensure Matos was returned to face prosecution for his alleged crimes. Upon arrival in Santo Domingo, Dominican authorities immediately took Matos into custody, demonstrating the seamless coordination between U.S. and Dominican law enforcement agencies in this case.

“The return of this fugitive to the Dominican Republic is a prime example of how ICE works closely with our international law enforcement partners to identify, locate and remove criminal aliens who are wanted in their country for allegedly committing crimes,” said acting Miami Field Office Director Juan Lopez Vega.

Such collaboration between countries is essential for addressing transnational criminal networks that operate across borders. Human smuggling operations like those Matos allegedly conducted pose significant risks to vulnerable migrants, as tragically demonstrated by the deaths of three minors connected to his activities. A successful deportation and handover to Dominican authorities ensures Matos will face appropriate legal consequences for these serious allegations.

Enhancing Public Safety Through Enforcement

ICE officials emphasized that targeting and removing criminal alien fugitives remains a top priority for the agency. Juan Lopez Vega, an ICE official involved in the case, highlighted the broader benefits of such enforcement actions. The consistent effort to identify, apprehend, and remove individuals who have repeatedly violated immigration laws while allegedly committing serious crimes abroad demonstrates the agency’s commitment to its public safety mission.

“ICE prioritizes the arrest and removal of criminal alien fugitives. As a result, our communities are safer and more secure,” Director Vega also said.

The agency continues to encourage public cooperation in identifying potential criminal aliens. The agency maintains a hotline and online tip form for reporting suspicious activities. The Batista Matos case serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in addressing criminal networks that operate across national boundaries. With Matos now in Dominican custody, authorities there will proceed with prosecuting him for the human smuggling operations that allegedly led to the tragic deaths of three minors.