Many Haitians have to cross the border into the Dominican Republic to buy badly needed essentials. The border between the two countries was closed as violence in Haiti escalated following a mass prison break in Port-au-Prince earlier this year. However, Haitians living along the border are now allowed into the Dominican Republic to get daily essentials. Police and military in the Dominican Republic have fortified their presence at the border, stationing more armed officers and soldiers to keep the region secure.