In the face of worsening conditions in Haiti and the possibility of a mass exodus of migrants, the Biden administration is reportedly discussing the use of Guantanamo Bay to process Haitian migrants, according to a US official. Guantanamo Bay, located approximately 200 miles from Haiti, has a migrant center that has been used in the past to hold and process migrants before returning them to Haiti or a third country.

The discussions to expand capacity at the site come as concern within the administration grows about the escalating crisis in Haiti. Gangs attacking government structures and the breakdown of social order have pushed the country to the brink of collapse, prompting fears of a large-scale migration event. Haitian migrants often attempt to reach Florida by sea, a perilous journey that has led to numerous fatalities.

A spokesperson from the National Security Council stated, "We are clear-eyed that economic, political, and security instability are key drivers for migrants around the world. We are closely monitoring the situation and the routes frequently used by migrants to reach our borders, and at this time, irregular migration flows through the Caribbean remain low."

While migration from the Caribbean, including Haiti, has been relatively low, the Department of Homeland Security is closely monitoring the situation and working with international partners. The spokesperson reiterated the longstanding policy of immediate repatriation for migrants interdicted at sea, returning them to The Bahamas, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, or Haiti.

Recent events in Haiti, including an attack on the largest prison in Port-au-Prince that led to thousands of inmates escaping, have further destabilized the country. United Nations estimates indicate that gangs now control 80% of the capital city, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. This adds to the already more than 300,000 displaced by gang violence.

To address the rising instability, the United States has deployed a Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) to Haiti to support security at the US embassy in Port-au-Prince. Additionally, the embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced his resignation, signaling a potential political transition that the US and other countries have endorsed.

However, the Biden administration is preparing for a mass migration event at a time when federal resources are already stretched thin, and key immigration agencies face budget shortfalls. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has drafted contingency plans to cut detention capacity and release thousands of migrants if additional funds are not secured. The Department of Homeland Security is also reviewing mass migration event plans, as they have done in the past with Haiti.

Border authorities in southern Florida are closely monitoring the situation in Haiti and making preparations in case of an influx of Haitians arriving. In the past, large groups of more than 100 people have attempted the dangerous journey by sea.

The administration's request for around $14 billion in additional funds to secure the US-Mexico border, which includes addressing migration challenges, remains stalled in Congress. President Biden continues to urge lawmakers to pass the request to provide the necessary resources for border security.

As the situation in Haiti deteriorates, the Biden administration is exploring options to manage potential mass migration from the country, including the use of Guantanamo Bay as a processing center. The focus remains on ensuring the security and stability of both Haiti and the United States while addressing the root causes driving migration from the region.