Dominican man deported to face charges of human smuggling resulting in death
A Dominican man, Batista Matos, who was wanted in his home country for human smuggling that led to the deaths of three minors, was deported by ICE Miami earlier this week. This marked his fifth deportation, as he was sent back to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where local law enforcement took him into custody.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami acting Field Office Director Juan Lopez Vega emphasized the collaboration between ICE and international law enforcement partners in identifying, locating, and removing criminal aliens like Matos who are wanted in their home countries for alleged crimes.
Matos’ history of deportations dates back to 2010 when U.S. Border Patrol agents first encountered him near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, after he entered the territory illegally. Subsequent encounters in 2011, 2019, and 2023 led to his removal from the United States.
In September 2024, Matos was arrested in San Juan, Puerto Rico, after Dominican authorities issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with a fatal human smuggling operation. After being taken into ICE custody on Feb. 6, he was transferred to Miami before being deported.
Lopez Vega reiterated ICE’s commitment to prioritizing the arrest and removal of criminal alien fugitives to enhance community safety and security.
American authorities worked in conjunction with the Dominican National Police to facilitate Matos’ return to face charges in his home country for his alleged crimes related to human smuggling.
The deportation of Matos serves as a reminder of ICE’s ongoing efforts to work with international partners in combating transnational crime and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
