The Biden administration may decide to use Guantanamo Bay to process Haitian migrants in the event of a mass exodus to the United States, CNN reported. It should be noted that Guantanamo Bay has previously been used as a detention and processing center for Haitian migrants in similar situations, such as in 2010 after the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

The current discussion about expanding capacity at Guantánamo reflects growing concerns within the U.S. administration about the situation in Haiti, where economic, political, and social instability is leading to increased violence and a deterioration of social order. The CNN publication suggests that if a mass exodus of Haitians to Florida occurs, the United States may consider the option of prosecuting them at Guantanamo before deciding on repatriation or other destinations.

It also highlights the concern of the US authorities about the possible increase in irregular migration across the Caribbean, especially in the context of instability in Haiti. Maritime migration presents unique challenges and involves the coordination of multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the Border Patrol.

The U.S. government is preparing to deal with a possible mass migration from Haiti, although so far there has not been a large influx of migrants. However, the situation in Haiti remains volatile, with the country facing a severe political and social crisis, exacerbated by gang attacks and the mass escape of prisoners from a prison in Port-au-Prince.

However, the publication also highlights that immigration enforcement agencies in the U.S. are facing budget shortfalls, which could further complicate the administration's response to a potential migrant crisis.

“Immigration enforcement agencies within the Department of Homeland Security continue to face a budget shortfall in the absence of supplemental funding. Last year, the White House asked Congress for around $14 billion in additional funds to secure the US-Mexico border as part of a broader national security supplemental request”.