January 30, 2025
Washington, D.C. – In a major policy shift, President Donald Trump has authorized the construction of a new migrant detention facility at the U.S. Naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The facility, expected to house up to 30,000 detainees, will be separate from the existing high-security prison used for terrorism suspects.
The administration describes the initiative as a response to what it calls “the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people,” aiming to expand detention capacity for undocumented migrants.
Key Details of the Plan
New Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay
The executive order mandates the creation of a large-scale detention center at Guantanamo Bay. This facility will be distinct from the military prison used to detain terrorism suspects and will primarily serve as a holding center for migrants.
Operational Oversight by ICE
Tom Homan, Trump’s appointed “border czar,” confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will manage the expanded facility. Migrants intercepted at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard will be transported directly to this center.
Tied to the Laken Riley Act
The announcement comes alongside the signing of the Laken Riley Act, a law requiring undocumented immigrants arrested for violent crimes or theft to be detained until trial. The act is named after Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student killed in 2024 by a Venezuelan migrant, and represents one of the Trump administration’s early legislative victories.
Historical Context: Migrant Detention at Guantanamo
Guantanamo Bay has a history of being used as a migrant holding facility:
1990s Haitian Migrant Crisis: Under former Attorney General William Barr, approximately 12,000 Haitian asylum seekers were held at Guantanamo Bay. The policy drew sharp criticism from human rights organizations, who described it as “the world’s first HIV detention camp” due to the treatment of detainees.
Recent Concerns: In 2024, advocacy groups called on the U.S. government to halt the use of Guantanamo Bay for asylum seekers, citing reports of inhumane conditions and a lack of legal protections.
Reactions and Controversy
Cuban Government Condemnation
Cuba has strongly opposed the expansion of migrant detention at Guantanamo Bay, calling it a violation of human rights and accusing the U.S. of illegally using “occupied” Cuban territory for indefinite detention.
Human Rights Organizations Raise Alarms
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns that the expansion could lead to indefinite detention, mistreatment, and legal challenges over the rights of detainees.
What Happens Next?
The Trump administration has not provided details on the cost or completion timeline of the new facility. However, reports indicate that the White House may seek congressional funding for its expansion.
Legal and political challenges are expected, with human rights organizations and international observers closely monitoring the development.
Author: Hassan Ahmad
