Pedernales, Dominican Republic 2025 — The sun is just starting to rise in the southern most point of the Dominican Republic and dozens of people are already waiting in Anse-à-Pitres, Haiti to cross the border into the Dominican Republic.

Mondays and Fridays are busiest at this crossing between Pedernales and Anse-à-Pitres, located at the southernmost point of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It’s one of four official gates between the two Caribbean nations, and for decades, served as the only doorway to a bi-national market, one of several along the border. These markets are vital for local economies, providing a space for Haitians and Dominicans to engage in trade and commerce, attracting hundreds of vendors and buyers from both countries.

But over the years, crossing the border has become increasingly difficult for Haitians. A reinforced border wall, fingerprint scanning, and just announced in August, a mandatory facial recognition pilot program all stand in the way of the market and vendors/shoppers from Haiti.

The increased border security comes on the backdrop of a deepening crisis in Haiti. Unprecedented gang violence and a humanitarian crisis has displaced millions by United Nations estimates, and sent tens of thousands of people fleeing into the Dominican Republic.