Despite the political and humanitarian situation in Haiti, amid the recent increase in violence and political instability, there has not yet been a significant increase in maritime migration in the Caribbean Sea that would trigger long-standing contingency plans by the United States, such as the accommodation of migrants in Guantanamo Bay, CBS News reported.

The U.S. government has contingency plans in place for decades to deal with mass migration events in the Caribbean Sea, including the possible accommodation of migrants at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, though it emphasizes that just considering options does not necessarily mean that action will be taken immediately.

U.S. policy is to repatriate most migrants intercepted at sea, with only a few screened by U.S. asylum agents. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to repatriate migrants to Haiti, while some may be referred for resettlement in other countries.

U.S. officials express concern about a possible increase in the number of Haitians attempting to migrate by sea, highlighting the dangers of this journey and the operational and humanitarian challenges associated with it. Recent measures have disqualified Haitians and Cubans from a program that allowed entry into the U.S. with U.S. sponsors.

“U.S. officials warned that screening facilities at Guantanamo could be overwhelmed if detentions exceed 1,000 in a day, given limited infrastructure and resources inside the naval base”, according to the publication.

While irregular migration flows remain low, security alerts have been sent to U.S. citizens in Haiti, offering assistance to leave the country if needed. The State Department organized charter flights to repatriate U.S. citizens from Haiti.