ACTIVISTS in Haiti are warning of a rise in xenophobia as the Dominican Republic cracks down on migrants from their island neighbour.

As Haiti spirals into chaos, the Dominican Republic has responded by blocking fleeing migrants from entering their country with a military build-up the government claims will “guarantee border security.”

On Sunday, Dominican President Luis Abinader announced the nation had bought six helicopters, 10 aircraft, 21 armoured vehicles and four anti-riot trucks in the country’s biggest purchase of military gear since 1961.