The Biden administration is reportedly considering a plan to use Guantanamo Bay to process Haitian migrants in the event of a mass exodus from the gang-ravaged country.
A possible influx of illegal immigrants from Haiti comes as a wave of violence has engulfed the Caribbean island in recent weeks and the U.S. is already grappling with record levels of migrant encounters at its southern border under President Biden. This is linked to concerns about sexuality.
Plans to potentially use Guantanamo Bay as a processing site would require expanding an existing immigration center at a naval base separate from the military prison where dozens of notorious terrorist suspects are being held. A US official told CNN.
The Migrant Operations Center at Guantanamo, about 320 miles west of Haiti, has been used for more than 30 years to house migrants picked up by the U.S. Coast Guard in the Caribbean.
Guantanamo Bay had been prepared for a wave of Haitian immigration after an earthquake hit the country in 2010, but According to the outlet.
In 2022, the Biden administration also considered using the immigration center at Guantanamo Bay to temporarily house Haitians fleeing a surge in gang-related violence on the island.
The White House did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday announced plans to send more than 250 troops and dozens of boats and aircraft to the Keys and southern waters of the state in anticipation of a mass exodus from Haiti.
“We cannot allow illegal aliens to come to Florida,” the governor said in a statement.
Gangs are estimated to control 80% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. According to United Nations estimates.
The country declared a state of emergency in response to the violence.
Haitian gang leader Jimmy “Barbeque” Chéridier has vowed to continue his fight until Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigns.
On Tuesday, in response to international pressure, Henry announced he would step down after the traditional presidential council meeting.
