Trump Orders Guantanamo Bay Preparation for 'the Worst' Undocumented Immigrants
President Donald Trump recently signed a memorandum to prepare a facility at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base to detain tens of thousands of ‘the worst’ undocumented immigrants.
The action will instruct the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security to ready 30,000 beds at the infamous U.S. military prison in Cuba to detain criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people.
Expanding Capacity and Controversy
Trump’s decision to utilize Guantanamo Bay doubles the detention capacity immediately, emphasizing its reputation as a ‘tough place to get out of.’
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that resources at Guantanamo Bay would be enhanced to accommodate the ‘worst of the worst,’ with Immigration and Customs Enforcement overseeing operations.
This move has sparked debate, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarifying on Fox News that the facility is intended for ‘temporary transit’ and is not the same as previous refugee camps.
Former President Joe Biden had explored using Guantanamo Bay for housing refugees if needed, highlighting the base’s historical role in emergency humanitarian measures.
International Response and Criticism
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned Trump’s decision as ‘an act of brutality,’ while Cuba’s foreign minister criticized the move for disregarding international law.
The decision to repurpose Guantanamo Bay for immigration detention has reignited tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, with the base historically serving as a naval hub for various missions.
While the detainee population at the military prison had dwindled to 15 individuals by the end of the Biden administration, Trump’s memorandum signals a renewed focus on utilizing the base for immigration enforcement.
In response to the evolving situation, the Pentagon has deferred queries to the White House, indicating a rapidly changing landscape regarding the base’s operations.
Trump’s initial classification of the decision as an executive order has since been clarified as a memorandum, reflecting the administration’s strategic approach to immigration policy.
Paul McLeary and Eric Bazail-Eimil provided valuable insights for this report.
