Global Task Force Tackles Complex Human Smuggling Case

Handcuffed woman shows "NOT FOR SALE" on her palms.

ICE has successfully deported a Dominican national wanted for human smuggling that led to the deaths of three minors, marking his fifth removal from American soil since 2010.

Key Takeaways

Edgar Batista Matos, a 36-year-old Dominican national, was deported on March 4 to face human smuggling charges in his home country related to the deaths of three minors.
This marks Batista Matos’ fifth deportation since 2010, with previous removals in 2010, 2011, 2019, and 2023.
The deportation resulted from cooperation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Dominican National Police.
Batista Matos was most recently arrested in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in September 2024, following a warrant from Dominican authorities.
This case highlights ICE’s commitment to removing criminal fugitives and enhancing community safety through international partnerships.

Repeat Offender Deported to Face Justice in the Dominican Republic

Edgar Batista Matos, a 36-year-old Dominican national wanted for human smuggling that resulted in the deaths of three minors, has been deported from the United States for the fifth time. ICE officials removed Batista Matos from Miami International Airport to Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo on March 4, where Dominican authorities took him into custody immediately upon arrival. The deportation comes after Batista Matos was arrested in San Juan, Puerto Rico in September 2024, following a warrant issued by Dominican authorities for his alleged role in a deadly smuggling operation.

Batista Matos has a lengthy history of illegal entry and subsequent removals from the United States. His first deportation occurred in 2010 after U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended him near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. He was subsequently deported in 2011, 2019, and 2023 before his most recent removal. Prior to this final deportation, Batista Matos had been in ICE custody since February 6, when he was transferred to Miami for removal proceedings. This pattern of illegal re-entry highlights ongoing challenges in border security and immigration enforcement.

International Law Enforcement Cooperation

The successful deportation of Batista Matos demonstrates the vital importance of collaboration between American law enforcement and foreign agencies. ICE worked closely with the Dominican National Police to coordinate the handover of the fugitive, ensuring he would face justice for his alleged crimes. This operation exemplifies how international partnerships strengthen the ability of law enforcement to apprehend and prosecute individuals who attempt to evade justice by crossing borders. Such cooperation is particularly crucial in cases involving serious offenses like human smuggling that often involve transnational criminal networks.

“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.

Vega emphasized that this case highlights the agency’s commitment to community safety. ICE has consistently maintained that the removal of criminal alien fugitives is a top priority for the agency, as it directly contributes to making American communities safer and more secure. The Batista Matos case serves as a concrete example of how ICE fulfills its mission to protect the public from individuals who pose potential threats to safety and security.

The Human Cost of Smuggling Operations

The charges against Batista Matos underscore the deadly consequences of human smuggling operations. According to Dominican authorities, his alleged activities led to the deaths of three minors, highlighting the human cost of illegal trafficking. Human smuggling networks often exploit vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities, subjecting them to dangerous conditions that can result in tragedy. By returning Batista Matos to face charges, authorities are addressing not only his individual case but also sending a message about the serious consequences for those involved in such operations.

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

The public is encouraged to report information about fugitives and criminal activity through ICE’s dedicated hotline or online tip form. This citizen participation represents another critical component in the broader effort to combat transnational crime and apprehend fugitives. ICE regularly updates the public on its enforcement activities through official channels, maintaining transparency about operations like the Batista Matos deportation. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing work of immigration authorities to enforce the law while cooperating with international partners to ensure justice is served across borders.