One Criminal’s Deportation Saga: A Tale Of Law And Smuggling

A five-time deported Dominican migrant wanted for human smuggling that led to the death of three children, was finally handed over to authorities in his home country after years of evading justice.

Quick Takes

Edgar Batista Matos, 36, was deported to the Dominican Republic for the fifth time after being wanted for human smuggling, resulting in the deaths of three minors.
Matos was first deported in 2010 after illegal entry near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, followed by additional deportations in 2011, 2019, and 2023.
His latest arrest occurred in September 2024 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, after Dominican authorities issued a warrant.
The deportation was a collaborative effort between ICE and the Dominican National Police, demonstrating international law enforcement cooperation.

Persistent Criminal Finally Faces Justice

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently deported Edgar Batista Matos, a 36-year-old Dominican national, from Miami to Santo Domingo. This marks his fifth deportation from American soil, but this time with a significant difference: Matos was immediately taken into custody by Dominican authorities upon arrival. He faces serious charges in his home country related to human smuggling operations that resulted in the tragic deaths of three minors. The March 4 deportation followed his arrest in September 2024 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he was found after Dominican officials issued a warrant for his arrest.

Matos’s removal from the United States was executed through a carefully coordinated operation. He was transferred from Puerto Rico, where he had been in ICE custody since February 6, to Miami International Airport for his flight to Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo. Upon arrival, Dominican National Police officers were waiting to take him into custody. This handoff represents a textbook example of international law enforcement cooperation in addressing cross-border criminal activity, particularly in the Caribbean region where human smuggling remains a persistent challenge.

A History of Border Violations

Matos’s long history of illegal entries and deportations from the United States began in 2010 when U.S. Border Patrol agents first encountered him near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Following that initial deportation, he continued to return illegally to the United States, resulting in additional removals in 2011, 2019, and 2023. His repeated violations of U.S. immigration law demonstrate the ongoing challenges border enforcement agencies face with recidivist offenders, particularly those involved in transnational criminal activities like human smuggling. Each illegal reentry after deportation constitutes a federal felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

“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 of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Juan Lopez Vega.

The case has drawn attention to the human toll of smuggling operations in the Caribbean. The three minors who lost their lives as a result of Matos’s alleged smuggling activities represent the often-unseen tragedy behind these criminal enterprises. Human smuggling operations frequently place migrants, including children, in extremely dangerous situations—overcrowded boats, treacherous sea conditions, and inadequate safety measures. The waters between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico have been the scene of numerous fatal smuggling attempts over the years.

International Cooperation Enhances Public Safety

ICE officials have emphasized that removing criminal alien fugitives like Matos is a top priority for the agency. These enforcement actions serve the dual purpose of holding criminals accountable while enhancing public safety both in the United States and in partnering nations. The successful coordination between American authorities and the Dominican National Police in this case highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing transnational crimes. Without such cooperation, fugitives could potentially exploit gaps in enforcement to evade justice indefinitely.

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

The public plays a vital role in supporting these enforcement efforts. ICE maintains a hotline and online tip form for reporting suspected immigration violations and criminal activity. This community cooperation complements the formal collaboration between law enforcement agencies across international boundaries. As Matos now faces justice in the Dominican Republic for his alleged crimes, the case stands as a testament to the value of persistent law enforcement efforts and the importance of holding human smugglers accountable for the deadly consequences of their illegal operations.