Santo Domingo.- Dominican Republic’s catholic bishops again expressed their concern with Haitian immigration across the border, which they say the authorities don’t control.

They affirm that armed thugs cross from the Haitian side to commit crimes in Dominican zones. “The present case is something new, until now unusual in the border zone, of armed brigands from the neighboring nation who cross to do misdeeds and holdups, leaving the territory suddenly and leaving their dead or injured victims by the wayside.”

In their 26 page message to mark Independence Day the bishops describe in detail the atmosphere of insecurity and violence in Dominican society and denounce the deterioration of the highways and the abandonment of the border communities, which they affirm makes it easier for criminals from the other side to attack travelers and visitors, who can’t escape with their vehicles when attacked by highwaymen, who normally use motorcycles.