The Trump administration appears to have temporarily halted plans to significantly increase transfers of undocumented migrants to Guantanamo Bay. The transfers, originally scheduled for later in the week, have been delayed due in part to the unrest caused by immigration crackdowns in Los Angeles, according to an administration official speaking on condition of anonymity.
Confusion at the State Department
Officials at the State Department, who have been advocating for the Department of Homeland Security to abandon the transfer plan, are now uncertain about the next steps. A U.S. diplomat familiar with the situation revealed that State Department officials have been advised to anticipate further guidance on the Guantanamo transfer process and not to rely on previous instructions provided to reporters.
The apparent postponement follows reports that the administration was considering vetting around 9,000 migrants for transfer to the base, a stark increase from the approximately 500 migrants briefly held at Guantanamo since February. This proposal aligns with President Donald Trump’s January announcement to utilize the facility to accommodate up to 30,000 migrants found to be residing in the U.S. unlawfully.
Contradictory Statements
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt took to X on Wednesday to refute reports of the plan, categorically stating, “Not happening.” Similarly, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin denied the existence of any such plan, emphasizing that it was never part of their strategy.
Objective of the Proposal
The primary aim of the proposal was to alleviate overcrowding in domestic detention facilities by relocating detainees to Guantanamo Bay. This move coincides with the administration’s efforts to boost Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities, necessitating higher arrest and deportation rates. With limited detention space, the agency is lobbying for increased funding to expand domestic detention capacity and recruit additional agents.
Documents obtained by POLITICO highlighted the recent formulation of the plan, indicating its potential for revision. The initial intention was for detainees to be housed temporarily at Guantanamo before repatriation to their home countries, although the duration of their stay remains uncertain.
International Concerns
Concerns have been raised, particularly among U.S. diplomats, regarding the inclusion of approximately 800 Europeans in the transfer group. There are apprehensions that this move could strain diplomatic relations with European nations, many of which cooperate in repatriating deportees. Several European officials, including Italy’s foreign minister, have expressed opposition to their citizens being transferred to Guantanamo.
The Guantanamo facility, infamous for detaining terrorism suspects post-9/11, has drawn criticism from immigrant rights groups. Legal challenges have been mounted against the administration’s use of Guantanamo for immigrant detainees, citing harsh conditions such as inadequate food, limited clothing changes, and pest infestations.
The evolving situation underscores the complexities surrounding immigration policies and the contentious debate over detention practices. Stay informed for further updates on the Trump administration’s Guantanamo transfer plans.
