U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01), along with Reps. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), and Daniel Webster (FL-11), sent an official request to President Joe Biden Monday calling for him to use his presidential authorities to declare “an anticipated mass migration from Haiti aliens en route to the United States” through Florida.
The president’s declaration will allow the U.S. Navy to reinforce Florida’s efforts to conduct maritime interdictions and repatriation of Haitians.
On March 12, 2024, during the House Armed Services Committee hearing on North and South Command posture, General Laura Richardson, Commander of United States Southern Command, stated: “I think that we need to be postured appropriately [to address the threat of mass migration from Haiti], for that is exactly what you’re talking about. And I have put in a request for increased capability to do exactly that. And we are ready if a mass migration if we need to deal with a mass migration.”
Additionally, Gen. Richards was asked: “Can I leave this discussion, believing that it will be your best military advice to the administration to utilize DoD assets for this purpose?” She responded: “I’m requested to do that. I will definitely do that.”
Read: Biden Admin Tells Americans Stuck In Haiti To Make It To Extraction Point ‘At Your Own Risk’
On the same day, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida will deploy additional law enforcement resources to the southern regions of the state in anticipation of a possible wave of Haitian migrants as the Caribbean country struggles amid street violence and political instability.
“Given the situation that’s happening in Haiti, some brutal reports that are happening, we want to make sure that we’re protecting Floridians,” DeSantis said Friday.
The governor’s office cited the “potential for invasion” as the reason for this action. The additional personnel, along with aircraft and boats, are intended to prevent Haitian migrants from reaching Florida’s shores.
DeSantis said Friday that state law enforcement intercepted a boat of possible illegal Haitian immigrants with weapons and narcotics.
“Our Florida Fish and Wildlife officers interdicted a vessel that had 25 illegal immigrants, potential illegal immigrants, from Haiti. In their boat, in their vessel, they had firearms, they had drugs, they had night vision gear, and they were boating very recklessly, which would potentially endanger other folks,” DeSantis said.
Read: As Chaos In Haiti Erupts, Florida Gov. DeSantis Takes Proactive Measures To Secure Border
On Monday, the congressional leaders said now is the time.
“We believe the resources are insufficient to address the scope and scale of the anticipated mass migration. A declaration pursuant to Executive Order 13276 is necessary to reinforce the State of Florida’s efforts by utilizing Department of Defense vessels to conduct maritime interdictions and interceptions of aliens from Haiti and repatriate them, preferably to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as this limits the financial obligation of U.S. taxpayers,” said the congressmembers.
“We urge you to engage the necessary assets to conduct maritime interdictions and interceptions of Haitians under 46 U.S. Code § 70051 and Executive Order 13276 and repatriate them to Port-au-Prince, Haiti,” said the congressmembers in the letter to President Biden.
Recent Developments in Haiti
The recent episode of violence in Haiti began on February 29, when Prime Minister Henry flew to Kenya to seek support for a U.N.-backed deployment of a police force to combat the gangs.
However, upon his departure, prominent gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier declared that his group, G9, was joining forces with other gangs to force Henry’s resignation. Heavy gunfire erupted in the capital as chaos ensued.
In response to the escalating violence, Finance Minister Patrick Boivert, serving as the acting prime minister in Henry’s absence, declared a state of emergency on March 3. He also implemented an evening curfew to regain control of the situation.
Cherizier further warned that if Henry did not step down and if the international community continued to support him, Haiti would descend into a civil war with genocidal consequences.
Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti
The situation in Haiti is dire, with the United Nations food agency reporting that 4 million people face “acute food insecurity,” and 1 million are on the brink of famine.
The country’s political instability and gang violence have exacerbated an already challenging situation for the Haitian population.
The Power of Gangs and the Weakened Police Force
The absence of a democratically accountable political authority has allowed gangs to expand their influence in Port-au-Prince. Two rival coalitions, G9 led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier and Gpèp, have fought for control of the city.
Before the recent uprising, gangs already controlled over 80% of the capital. The police force, severely underpowered with only around 10,000 active officers, is unable to effectively combat the gangs.
The UN estimates that Haiti needs approximately 26,000 police officers, highlighting the significant shortfall. The UN Security Council’s decision to send a multinational security force to Haiti in October 2023 appeared to intensify the violence as both gangs sought to secure more territory before its arrival.
Haiti’s current crisis is a culmination of complex factors, including government corruption, historical events, and socioeconomic challenges. The resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry offers a glimmer of hope for a transition towards stability.
However, the path forward remains uncertain, as rival factions vie for power and gangs continue to exert influence. The international community’s support, including the potential deployment of an international security force, may play a crucial role in restoring peace and enabling Haiti’s long-awaited return to democracy.
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