Pentagon alerted of potential ‘maritime mass migration’ from Haiti – Washington Examiner

The Department of Defense revealed that it was alerted of a possible “maritime mass migration” from Haiti amid deteriorating conditions in the country.

During a House hearing, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) asked about the possibility of a massive influx of Haitian immigrants into Florida, given the country’s extreme turmoil. While stressing their efforts to control such a crisis, Pentagon officials revealed that they were aware of the possibility.

“Congressman, we’re doing a number of things to ensure that we’re keeping track of the situation and we’re prepared — at the moment, we have not yet seen large numbers of what we would characterize as maritime mass migration,” said Rebecca Zimmerman, assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and hemispheric affairs, to which Gaetz interjected, clarifying that they were aware of the possibility.

“We are alert to that possibility,” she continued. “I think you’re right that the driving conditions in Haiti could very well press more people.”

Zimmerman went on to stress that they are working with the Coast Guard to help control such a prospect if it were to occur.

A man pushes a wheelbarrow past burning tires during a protest demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry on Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)

The situation in Haiti has deteriorated drastically over the past few weeks, making the prospect of a mass maritime migration more likely.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The Caribbean nation has suffered a series of cascading crises in recent years, which has culminated in violent gangs seizing control over much of the country, including 80% of the capital. Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced from abroad that he would resign on Tuesday after being blocked from re-entering the country. The week prior, the government declared a state of emergency after several gangs launched an offensive of direct attacks on government buildings.

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, talk with Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley as they attend an emergency meeting on Haiti at the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community on Monday, March 11, 2024, in Kingston, Jamaica. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds, Pool via AP)

The United States evacuated all non-essential personnel from the country amid the deteriorating situation and is in talks to assist a multinational peacekeeping force. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the allocation of $100 million for such a force on Monday.