The United States has begun transferring detained migrants to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in a controversial move that marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. The first flight, carrying about a dozen migrants, departed from Fort Bliss, Texas, and arrived at the naval base on February 4. The program is part of a larger strategy to address the growing number of migrants detained at the southern border.
Why Guantanamo Bay?
Guantanamo Bay, long associated with the detention of terror suspects, is now being repurposed to house large numbers of migrants. Currently, the facility can hold 120 detainees, but the administration plans to expand that capacity to accommodate up to 30,000 people.
To support this massive expansion, 200 U.S. Marines have been sent to the base to build temporary housing, including tents and basic infrastructure. Officials say this number will soon increase to 500 personnel. The cost of the expansion and the logistics involved have sparked questions from lawmakers and advocates alike.
The Administration’s Justification
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the decision, stating that the U.S. government would ensure that all migrants receive due process. She also confirmed that family units could be detained together if necessary. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth backed the plan, describing it as a necessary measure to deal with “security risks” posed by certain individuals attempting to enter the U.S.
Guantanamo Bay is no stranger to migrant detention. In the 1990s, it housed Haitian and Cuban asylum seekers, and during President George W. Bush’s administration, it detained up to 700 terror suspects. Currently, only 15 terror suspects remain at the facility.
Costs and Logistics
Migrants are being transported using C-17 military aircraft, which cost about $28,500 per hour to operate—considerably more expensive than standard ICE deportation flights. Critics argue that this cost could quickly become unsustainable, especially given the planned scale of the operation.
Logistical challenges are also emerging. The Pentagon was reportedly not informed of the full scope of the plan until recently, leading to a rush to prepare adequate infrastructure, including sanitation, food, and medical care. Experts warn that scaling up to accommodate 30,000 people will take months.
Mixed Reactions from Key Players
The plan has triggered strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Several countries, including El Salvador, have agreed to accept deported migrants from various nationalities, while Venezuela and Colombia have agreed to take back their citizens. However, some countries have refused to cooperate, causing diplomatic friction.
On the domestic front, human rights organizations have condemned the move. Critics argue that detaining migrants at Guantanamo Bay sets a dangerous precedent. Eleanor Acer from Human Rights First warned that the plan risks violating human rights and could lead to indefinite detention and family separations.
What Happens Next?
As more flights are scheduled to transport migrants to Guantanamo Bay, the administration is under pressure to prove that it can manage the growing detainee population without violating legal or humanitarian standards. With protests and legal challenges likely, this policy could face significant obstacles before it fully takes shape.
